The Burden of Social Proof

Lane 8, an American musician, runs a record label and event series called This Never Happened. If you attend a TNH show, the idea is to leave your phone at home, and experience the moment. No photos. No recording.

And if you’re not in the loop, you could wonder what actually happens at a concert if he doesn’t want cameras around.

Is it some kind of secret rave?

Nope. Anyone can find the information and attend. If you visit Lane 8’s website, you’ll find the motto “experience the moment, don’t record it.”

From what I gather, it’s a response to the whole “pics, or it didn’t happen” thing — a joke for some, a reality for others.

He’s onto something and it goes beyond concerts.

Because the quest for social proof consumes the moment, especially if you’re watching it through a screen as you capture it. Sure, you’re there, but not really.

The best way to capture the moment is to be in the moment. Even just the ordinary ones. A walk. A meal. Time spent with someone else. The moment is fleeting. It doesn’t pause for you to get the perfect shot. It’s unfolding right in front of you.

Just live it. Feel it. Experience it.

Certainly, you’ll want to grab a snapshot on occasion, but if you find yourself multitasking, ask yourself if you’d rather experience the phone or the subject. It’s likely you’ll go with the latter, place it in your pocket, and get back to the moment.