You might have taken a stroll on a social media platform and stumbled upon a post that was taken with film, identifiable by grainy yet distinct lines and the tiny orange date in the lower right corner.

But why is it that we still opt for the innovations of the past, despite having access to new technology at our fingertips?

The term “screenager” refers to how teens as a generation have grown up with access to the internet and smartphones. This phenomenon has often been used in a negative light, but I view it as a form of empowerment due to how advanced we have had the opportunity to become at such an early age.

This idea of “growing too attached or addicted to technology” has been challenged with how being exposed to older innovation is a form of privilege rather than a demeaning remark used to throw jabs at the technological savviness of teens.

Using film, however, juxtaposes what a “screenager” would do, as it’s an innovation that was made back in time as opposed to current technology, yet today’s teenagers still revert back to this old innovation quite frequently. 

Oftentimes, teens bring a disposable camera or two on an excursion while leaving their phone to straggle behind in the car. It allows them to grasp a sense of escape in a society defined by media and technology.

Film rolls include a certain amount of exposures, meaning that the amount of actual shots you can take is limited to the exposure count. For example, most film rolls generally range from 12​​ to 36 exposures, preventing you from getting carried away. The limited capabilities of these film cameras allow teens to be present in the moment and keep their attention on the event at hand.

Phone cameras often serve as a distraction to activities that would typically be more eventful when living in the moment. Using a film camera allows us to separate ourselves from the provisions of what makes us want to pick up our distracting devices and snap away – helping us capture memories that are irreplaceable. 

Teens say that they want to capture the moment at hand without being distracted by the other platforms on their phone. Older generations, however, will stress the redundancy of using film by saying that it has become too expensive and is a waste of time when taking photos is so much more accessible on your phone. 

Using a film camera just expands on that idea, as we gear our attention towards what would be “vintage.” Teenagers are drawn to the vintage aspect of things because of the comfort it brings us. Things that are “old” and “outdated” almost give us a sense of nostalgia, despite not even being alive to experience the vintage item at its peak.

Similarly, record players fall into the same situation. 

We often get used to listening to music on digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited. However, current music is now being produced into vinyls for people to listen to their favorite artists on the record player, once again tuning into their newfound nostalgia.

Although new technology gives us glimpses of innovation for not only our future but also the next, we can still stay connected with innovation beyond our age. The turn to older devices will allow us to listen, see and exist in coincidence with our experiences.