Gen Z is bringing back physical photographs, printing twice as many pictures as older generations, according to a recent survey of 2,000 adults. The poll found that 43 percent of people aged 18 to 27 regularly print digital photos, compared to just 5 percent of those aged 60 to 78. This trend persists despite 42 percent of respondents believing that modern technology is making traditional photographs obsolete.
On average, Gen Z individuals print pictures four times a year, which is double the amount of any other generation. The survey also revealed that the typical adult has 1,598 photos on their phone camera roll, with millennials having the most at 2,574. The most common types of photos taken on digital devices are of family (60 percent), holidays (58 percent), and viewpoints (42 percent).
However, 19 percent of people rarely look back at their camera roll, with those over 65 being the least likely to reminisce. As a result, 14 percent often forget special moments, and a fifth have lost memories when their phone was misplaced. Psychologist Dr.
Gen Z rekindling photo memories
Angharad Rudkin coined the term “untapped-memory syndrome” to describe the phenomenon of ignoring photos and losing precious memories. She emphasizes the importance of shared memories for our identity and relationships.
The study found that 84 percent of people believe holidays are significant in creating memories, with 42 percent having fond recollections of trips thanks to physical images. On average, 82 photos are taken per vacation. More than half (55 percent) wish they had more printed photos displayed in their homes, as they help them remember moments better (41 percent).
Dr. Rudkin explained that emotions make memories easier to recall, and technology can interfere with memory formation if we use our phones to record moments instead of watching them directly. The findings also revealed that 42 percent of people love looking at printed photos from their childhood and recalling memories, with these images making them feel nostalgic (58 percent), happy (40 percent), and loved (22 percent).
Haven, the holiday park company that commissioned the research, will be hosting photo printing pop-ups in Birmingham on February 19th and in Manchester on February 21st to encourage Brits to “free their memories” and create lasting, richer memories with loved ones.