All technology is an extension of ourselves.

Wheels are an extension of the legs. Binoculars are an extension of the eye. Electricity is an extension of our nervous system.

Photographs are an extension of the human memory.

Throughout history, new technology has replaced parts of our brain. Before the world was mapped out, human beings had an attunement to the sun and the environment that us modern human beings can’t possible imagine.

After the invention of the map (Not to mention Google maps), we no longer looked to the environment for directional cues, but instead to the technology in our hands.

When you think back to a moment you photographed, instead of having a visceral memory of the event, you may instead find that all you can really remember are the photographs you took. Because the photograph has replaced your human memory of that moment.

The areas of the brain connected to memory that would normally light up don’t because the brain knows that the photograph has taken care of task of remembering the moment for it.

Photographs leave you feeling deeply unsatisfied. While having a visceral memory of the event feels right.