The Death of Physical Media (and how to combat this)

‘Screenager’ – a term I am certain you reading have come across before. If this portmanteau isn’t familiar to you, let me enlighten you on how the label could unknowingly be applied to you. Blending the words ‘screen’ and ‘teenager’, the phrase is used to negatively imply our generation’s unhealthy addiction to our technological devices. Who can blame us? The rise of digital media has made it nearly impossible to consume media if it isn’t through our screens. Accessible. User-friendly. Convenient. Sounds like the perfect all-in-one invention which enables us to readily engage with films, music, art on a daily basis. But let’s pause and consider how the temporality of digital products could make physically owning the entertainment you love that much more important. Or is physical media simply outdated and impractical, and we should all ‘move with the times’ and fully embrace the digital world?

THE PARADOX OF STREAMING SERVICES

On one hand, the rise in convergent technology has its upsides. Let’s take film and TV for starters, a range of movies and shows in one device, accessed under the click of a few buttons. There is often no better feeling on a lazy Sunday than browsing streaming services from the comfort of your own couch or delving into your comfort series after a long day. However, have we been overestimating the amount of ‘choice’ we get when paying a subscription to services like Netflix or Amazon Prime? Choices are often limited – and we might not get what we want to watch (with that being said, those of you using pirated websites may dispute this). The chances of your favourite show or film not being available are high depending on things like licensing issues, how popular it is etc. I’m still upset that Sex and the City has been removed from Netflix UK!

So, it is hard to not get frustrated at the seemingly huge array of ‘choice’ we are presented with, when in reality you may be paying for a multitude of streaming platforms to gain access to a just a few more movies. Perhaps digital media may not be all that great after all. Instead, some have suggested that owning DVDs may be more reliable as you’ll never have to look at the ‘leaving soon’ label. Essentially, your favourite films won’t simply vanish one day if you have a physical copy of it. But how many of us still own DVD players? Let alone the patience to operate it or get it fixed if it malfunctions. Not to mention that it isn’t exactly a device you can take on-the-go. Maybe I’ll just stick to my laptop…

THE REVIVAL OF THE VINYL (and others)

With all this being said, there has no doubt been a brewing resurgence of physical media, due to a growing appreciation of physical ownership with media, as well as ‘vintage’ being the current trend. Perhaps the demise of physical media isn’t so close around the corner. Amongst our generation, there is now a counterculture to constantly being online: it’s ‘cooler’ to be disconnected. Vinyl’s, DVDs, CDs are all making a comeback, sometimes with a great value being placed on these products as rare collector’s items, with an emphasis on the nostalgic quality of this aesthetic. There has been an increased recognition for the art of expanding one’s own physical copies of music records and growing a personal collection, often reflecting an individual’s unique taste. If you haven’t already, it may be worthwhile engaging with physical formats more, especially because we live in a technology-saturated society and the rising use of AI. Don’t worry, that is not to say we ditch the phones, but you may find that striking a healthy balance between screen time and physical media may be more meaningful and fulfilling.

TIME FOR A CHANGE

Now let’s think about ways to get you offline to avoid the constant stream of consumption that is fed to us on social media apps alongside the bombardment of choices provided on streaming platforms. Engaging in online content is always going to be part of our generation’s media saturated lives, making it all the more important that we learn how to incorporate the physical media to accommodate our interests. Each individual product: whether this be a vinyl or a paper magazine, allows one to appreciate the media by consuming it in a slower and more thoughtful way, especially in a world that is constantly on ‘go, go, go!’ mode. The chance to think critically on the products we are consuming is enabled when we aren’t mindlessly scrolling for that next dopamine hit on Tik Tok or getting distracted by a notification or ad when reading an insightful online article. Slowing it down is enabled by varying your entertainment choices through physical products.

A STARTER PACK TO UNPLUGGING

To get you started on your physical media journey, I have curated a small list of paper magazines to get you your pop-culture fix whilst venturing out of the digital space (most of them have free online content to enjoy as well). Founded by Andy Warhol, Interview magazine covers everything from film and music to fashion and culture, with a one-year subscription including 6 creative and stylistic issues which provide a deep insight into our favourite celebrities through intimate interviews. A similar but more affordable option being W magazine. Another print publication with artistic visual appeal and high-quality interviews is Polyester, or for any budding cooks out there; Hot girl cooking club is great for those who would like to rely less on the internet for recipes. Print versions are becoming increasingly available for the online media we consume, and I highly encourage you to explore these options as it provides the opportunity to annotate, get crafty, and build a physical collection that can always be delved back into.

Physical media can also add to a space by simultaneously decorating but also creating meaning, whether this is concept art books or catalogues from curators or photography. For example, for any film enthusiasts out there, A24 has a brilliant collection of screenplay books that adds charm to a coffee table, whilst providing a deep dive into the creative process of their unique films, all to be physically treasured by aspiring writers or fans of the production company.

As for DVDs, Vinyl’s and CDs, most can be found in thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales, which have gained massive popularity the last few years. Thus, physical media isn’t just about the tangibility of the disposable product itself in comparison to what we can get from our screens, it is also an experience. When you go out to buy physical versions of media, whether that is in a bookstore or a record shop, a meaningful experience is in the making. For my Bristol fellows, The Last Bookshop on Park Street has an incredible selection of books for £5 and less, and Rova at the top of the Christmas Steps sell a range of magazines that would be great to browse on a wintry afternoon. The beauty of owning what represents our interests and passions also lies in the time taken to fuel them; an appreciation is gained for a physical copy of a media product because of the experience attached to purchasing it, strolling through the aisles, feeling the product itself. By no means does this mean owning a Kindle, or scrolling through an online article once in a while is restricted territory, as those methods of media consumption are extremely convenient and cost-effective. A tailored combination of both digital and physical media just proves how you can be resourceful when diversifying your mediums of media consumption.

GETTING CRAFTY

Another way we can combat the death of physical media is by making our own! Collaging, scrapbooking, archiving photos and making albums are all ways we can preserve media in a personalised way, a sense of permanence is achieved as we preserve our most precious memories. Similarly, journaling creates physical copies of our thoughts and ideas, which can be looked back on. Experiment and discover formats that work best for you! These suggestions are hobbies in and of itself, encouraging you to remain screen-free for a little longer.

finding a balance…

Alongside our utilisation of our mobile phones and laptops, it is important we continue to engage in physical media as well. Perhaps it is time we take back control over what we are consuming instead of solely relying on technology to provide us with entertainment. Rather than being passively fed by the algorithm or having your interests be controlled by the availability of a product because of its success on the market, we can actively go out and find media that interests us. Reject the ‘screenager’ label and begin to reconnect with physical products, seek out palpable forms of entertainment and you’ll be surprised where that could lead you.  

• digital age
• digital detox
• entertainment
• media
• Physical media
• streaming devices