Are the flip phones that have suddenly become apparent in concert settings reasonable?
In a time when finally going to the concert you’ve been dreaming of for months means getting lost in a sea of phones, flip phones have gained popularity as a way to has become increasingly appealing in order to truly stay “in the moment.” This modern dilemma has caused some to call for the crafty and nostalgic solution of Razr phones, a flip phone that eliminates the impulse to post entire 30-minute videos of a concert.
It is undeniably true that smartphones have transformed the concert experience for this generation, offering high-quality cameras and easy access to platforms like Instagram and Snapchat for sharing memorable moments. As someone who has attended several concerts, I’ve often been surrounded by a mob of people recording and posting the entire show.
However, blaming modern phones for a superficial concert experience and claiming that flip phones are the solution oversimplifies the real issue at hand: the impulse we have to consistently be connected to the internet even in a setting meant to provide an exhilarating break.
The constant use of phones—whether it’s a Razr or an iPhone—to record and share can sometimes detract from the shared presence and immersion that define live music events. As concert attendees focus on capturing the perfect video of the artists, they inadvertently disconnect from the energetic vibe and atmosphere of the concert. Even if this means having tired arms from holding up a Razr, these attendees who opt for the less ‘addictive’ technology still contribute to the pervasive “sea of phones” that dominate modern concert settings.
To truly reconnect with the essence of live performances, it’s better to make a deliberate choice to prioritize the experience itself over its virtual representation—becoming immersed in the moment with undivided attention by basking in the joy of live music without being overcome by the pressure of digital documentation.
Whether we opt for a nostalgic flip phone or just try to exercise some sense of restraint, the real solution is to understand that for an individual to be truly “in the moment,” they must simply take a few quick shots and slip the phone into their back pocket.
