Maybe it’s that we don’t truly own things anymore, or perhaps the fast pace of modern life, but physical media is making a comeback. At the very least, people are yearning for simpler times, when we could slow down and engage with media by having a real, sensory experience.
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In the modern world, everything is available at the touch of a button. The convenience of things to this extent is something we haven’t experienced before. Yet there’s a surprising shift happening: a yearning for physical media. We’re talking vinyl records, printed books, DVDs, disposable cameras and CDs. It’s about the pleasure of owning something tangible. So what’s behind this phenomenon?
Owning something you can touch
Digital subscriptions and streaming services are convenient but you don’t always own the content you consume. Think of series’, films and music that disappear from platforms – yet your subscription cost rises over time. However, you have unlimited access and control over a book, your favourite album and collections, and it doesn’t require a internet connection.
Nostalgia also plays a role. There’s something wonderful about flipping through a record collection or browsing a bookstore, which a screen cannot provide.
A slower, more intentional way to consume
With physical media, you consume one thing at a time. As opposed to notifications, endless content and algorithms that come with our digital lives. When reading a book, listening to an album or taking a photograph, you’re forced to slow down and extract meaning out of not just the media but also the activity.
Collecting also shows our personalities. A carefully curated bookshelf or vinyl collection is a reflection of our interests and tastes – it provides a glimpse into the collector.
How to start your own collection
- Start with what you love: Choose a format that speaks to you. It can be books, films, photography or music – you don’t need several hobbies all at once.
- Shop second-hand: Visit markets, record stores, or second-hand bookshops. You’ll likely find many unexpected treasures.
- Buy intentionally: Buy items that you’d like to keep for years, instead of purchasing everything you like.
- Make space for your collection: Create a dedicated corner where you can display your finds without cluttering your space.
- Enjoy the experience: Resist the urge to turn collection into another expensive hobby. Find the pleasure in the act of discovering and appreciating what you own.
The bottom line
Remember that the return to physical media isn’t about rejecting technology. Balance is just as important. This digital world will never go away so owning something real is a satisfying way to reconnect with your interests and be in the present moment.
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Featured image: Unsplash
