Today, the world is a far smaller place. And that’s due to the evolution of technology. In particular phones. Being a bit on the older end of the millennial scale I’m blessed to be of two worlds. One side that remembers when seeing a cell phone was akin to seeing a unicorn. And on the other side, the world where everyone is glued to their screens. While I maintain a great appreciation for both sides of the coin, I think I’m blessed to fall somewhere in the middle. Where I use my phone regularly by choice instead of social/cultural necessity.
My appreciation for what cell phones do in connecting humanity knows no bounds. Too often, I think we get caught up in the “negative” aspects of technology and forget to highlight the amazing things it’s done to improve lives in so many ways. The moment I saw monks at Angkor Wat using tablets I knew the world had changed forever in this regard.
The folks at THREE asked me to share my opinion on why phones are good. I could go on and on about how phones have become tools for social activism, political reform, and investigative journalism. But I want to focus on what I love the most. Travel.
Phones Have Changed the Way We Capture the World
Photography has captured some of the most important moments in human history. Making it one of the most enduring mediums of storytelling ever created. In a less grandiose sense, it allows us to capture those everyday moments that we sometimes take for granted. The meeting of two strangers. Observing someone feeding birds. Or even the moment a couple says “I Do”. Photography is an excellent gateway into humanity and travel.
As a photojournalist, sharing my work with the world is paramount. And as social media has risen to dominates peoples attention, it’s only natural that my phone has become a vital extension to not only my business but my creativity as well. There are times when my professional camera is obtrusive, intimidating, or flat out banned. Forcing me to use my phone to capture those special moments. From vendors at a market to people praying. My phone allows me to blend in just a bit more.
These days, as YouTube becomes more important to my work, my phone has become my primary video camera. It’s small size, picture quality, and commonality has allowed me to move far more freely while I’m capturing those “in between” travel moments. The ones that truly bring a story together.
Phones Have Made Us All True Explorers
I began traveling long before smartphones were in everyone’s pocket. The days when you had to actually print out maps and ask locals for directions. While I truly miss those days of interpersonal connection, the ease of navigation has made travel far more accessible for people. Something that is at the foundation of my career.
Apps like Google Maps and Waze have evolved beyond just telling you how to get from point A to point B. They’ve gotten to the point where they can recommend activities, restaurants, and even hotels for your entire visit. Not to mention how important they are for us wanderers.
As a photographer, my path is rarely set. Detours have become the norm and I fully embrace finding the unknown. While navigation apps ability to alter my directions at a moments notice have become vital to my sanity. I enjoy the ability to see a new place, type in the name, and learn everything I need to know about it instantly. Additional tools like street view allow me to “scout” a location long before I arrive. Allowing me to be far more efficient with my planning and time on the ground. Vital for those tight deadlines.
Phones Are The Modern Day Rosetta Stone
Languages and I don’t get along. While I tend to pick up romance languages quite well, I’m not so lucky when it comes to others. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ended up in places like Ukraine, Myanmar, or Taiwan with no idea how to speak/read the local language. With the situation becoming increasingly more difficult in places like these with extremely limited English spoken. While it made for some great adventures, it could be a serious issue for less experienced travelers.
Translation apps have become absolute lifesavers. From looking up vital words regarding allergies, directions, and prices, to having meaningful conversations with locals. My phone has become a tool which allows me to communicate with almost anyone in the world. As a man of color, my presence in a lot of places surprises people. When I approach them with my phone it shows my willingness to communicate, that I’m not a threat, and openness to the kindness of locals. All characteristics that tend to be highly respected by locals.
In many ways, technology has become a part of many of our identities. And I do believe that on the extreme end, that can be an issue. However, I believe with clear balance, focused goals, and the constant evolution of phones, that we can continue to benefit from phones in a way that enriches our lives.
This is a paid partnership article with Three, a mobile phone supplier in the UK as part of their Phones Are Good Campaign. Three believe that phones have been getting too hard of a time recently. Far from bringing the end to humanity, they think they bring people together. Think about it. These pocket rockets help us plan our social life, find love, build relations, run businesses and make memories. They also keep us connected on the go, including 71 destinations worldwide with Three’s Go Roam proposition. As part of the paid article, Three asked me to share my personal experiences on why phones are good. These opinions, stories and images are my own.