Would you do it, if you couldn't take any photos or videos & tell no one about it?

It has become quite ridiculous how interconnected our "cool" experiences have become with the documentation of which through endless photos and the self-flattery of the sharing of such. To what end?

In a pre-historic time before cameras, it is said that people went on vacation with the sole objective of enjoyment and relaxation. No pictures of one's legs with an oceanic backdrop were taken? No posing for photos? Simply clearing one's head? How ridiculous!

Perhaps some of you recount the evenings when friends and/or family were invited to showcase them the photos you took during your yearly vacation. I can, and while it sure felt nice to show and tell about our world-shattering trip to the beach, the guests had no choice but to express their artificial enthusiasm about the fun they didn't have. "Oh wow, little Timmy found a muscle and you took 7 photos of him holding it, I wish I could have been there." No one, besides you cares and no one ever will. The only times someone might care is because of (a) when they want to get a quick overview of what it was like there because they plan to do it too or (b) envy. (I realize genuine interest exists, but for the sake of this pessimistic rant, I'm focusing on the superficial)

Am I a hypocrite? Of course! Do you think I went on a trip every 2 months for 2 years and didn't make it seem like I was a travel influencer on my Instagram page? Dream on. I too have an ego that wanted the recognition. But with growing awareness, things are changing.

What is the point of doing exciting things? To feel an adrenaline rush? To get out of your comfort zone? To create a memory that lasts a lifetime? All three of them suffice as an answer.

Now here's a fun one: How does the sharing of such an event support the purpose of the event?

And could it be that it's actually a hindrance?

Going out of your way to take photos with the intention of publicating them - doesn't it take you away from the emotions of the moment? What purpose does it serve? "To capture the moment forever of course!" But it doesn't. To capture a real moment, in its complete authenticity it needs to be just that, real. Posing for it leaves you with a fake version. Sure your face and posture might be more suitable for showing it to others, but the memory it was supposed to capture is absent.

But what if you only take the photo for yourself and/or the people that are present? Wouldn't that change things? Yes. One of my favorite pictures of my girlfriend was made during a quick photo session on a ferry on our way to Mykonos. It's hanging on my memory wall right beside me as I'm writing this. She is looking like a free spirit, no worry on her mind, enjoying the warm salty breeze of the Aegean sea. I love this photo as I love the memory. (The equivalent picture also exists of me). But it was staged. I told her where to stand and where to look. But, at least in that moment, the capture was for us only.

Make of what I wrote here whatever you might, but remember the real purpose for your actions.

If you could take no pictures and tell no one about it, would you still do it? And how would it change your experience?