When you film something, do you go back at look at it multiple times? Or do you post to social media as a one and done? Why do you film an event? Is it to prove you were there, is it something so amazing you have to share, is it in case something goes horribly wrong, or is it just habit? My question this week, are you to busy filming to be in real life (IRL.)
Tegan and Sara described banning cell phones from their concerts, “… and just like straight up, if we’re really being just be real, I am tired of standing on stage and looking at a sea of phones…” ¹ Comedians like Dave Chappelle are irritated by concert goers filming and posting on social media before the performance is done. He felt the fans seemed more interested in getting the perfect shot than in appreciating his stand-up routine. Enter the Yondr² . Yondr is a cell phone pouch that locks your phone while you are in an event space, classroom, or courtroom. A technology solution to a technology problem.
There is the infamous Queen Bey incident. Beyoncé sang “Irreplaceable” and got the whole crowd to sing along. She even let a few front-row fans control the mic. However, one fan missed the cue because he was too busy filming on his phone. “See, you can’t even sing because you’re too busy taping,” she told the audience member. “I’m right in your face, baby. You gotta seize this moment, baby! Put that damn camera down!” ³
There is not a Yondr for life, but you can think about how you show up. There will be occasions, when something is mandatory, you’re required to be there and expect nothing out of it. Got it, multitask away. However consider, when you choose to be a participant, be a participant, in real life.
Yondr
²Yodr
Balancing on Unstable Surfaces 