We always hear that we should put down our phones, stop taking pictures, and enjoy the moment. And the advice makes sense – viewing our experience through our tiny phone screens draws us away from real life. With spring break and summer coming up, is this advice we should be following?
Findings from Diel, Zauberman, and Barasch’s (2016) recent study states that photography can actually increase people’s engagement with the moment and make them consequently enjoy positive experiences more. In one of their experiments, participants toured a museum exhibition wearing glasses that tracked their eye movements. Those who took photos spent more time engaging with the art than others who just observed.
Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash
However, there are instances where photo-taking does not increase enjoyment of the experience. When we are already enjoying an experience and when holding a camera interferes with the experience, photography does not increase enjoyment of the experience. In addition, taking photos of an unpleasant experience can worsen the experience.
These effects, both positive and negative, are not limited to snapping a photo with a camera or a phone – the same goes for taking “mental pictures.” So next time you find yourself pulling out your camera, be aware of what kind of experience you’re having in order to enjoy it to the fullest!
– Maya Metser
Reference
Barasch, A., Diehl, K., & Zauberman, G., (2016, June 6). How Taking Photos Increases Enjoyment of Experiences. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2016/06/picture-enjoy.aspx