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Comment by zelos | Hacker News Reader

There's a balance.

I went to a firework display last month and two teenagers in front of us stood side by side, both videoing the fireworks. Not just holding their phones up, they watched the entire display on their phone screen. Surely that's missing out on something?

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When you realize taking photos of things that repeat or are static (like building and fireworks) doesn't make sense. Taking photos of family and friends and having people in context is what's important. Sure, if you're in a new place and want to capture some scenery, that's fine, but for example I have a bunch of photos from years ago without people in them that are basically meaningless now.

This happens are concerts. It's endemic and has spolit the event, globally. Recently I saw a film director talk and all phones were locked away. Everyone in the room (2000 people) got to hear, and see, what they'd come for. I wish more events would do this. I really do.

All this does is split the fanbase, because for every person who likes phone-free events, there are others who feel that phones are an essential part of life and phone bans are a boomer relic. But for musical scenes like classical music or jazz that are small and fragile and can’t afford to split their audience, this is a real problem.

That's not my experience. I tend to see more younger people engaging in the moment and older people tethered to their phone.

I saw Phoenix a few weeks ago outside the US. The lead singer tried to crowd surf, but the crowd around/under him were so focused on photographing the moment that he wasn't able to stay up.

Yeah, that is crazy.. Couldn't agree with you more.

firework displays are definitely something better appreciated in person. Music gigs are probably another.

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