{
  "id": 292022,
  "title": "Digital cameras and wired earphones are back - and 'a bit more real'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/digital-cameras-and-wired-earphones-are-back-and-a-bit-more-real",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-08T01:40:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC News",
    "slug": "bbc-news",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly599xlllyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a weekend filled with unexpected twists, a reporter found themselves taking a digital camera to a DJ set, experimenting with older technology that has seen a resurgence in popularity. The digital camera, left on charge at home, was charged and prepared for the task. The reporter was accompanied by a photography-loving friend who assisted with camera settings and captured the moment on film. The sight of the reporter and friend with their vintage camera drew attention from passersby, who remarked on the rarity of such devices in recent times.\n\nThe popularity of digital cameras, wired headphones, and early MP3 players like iPods has increased on platforms like eBay and social media. According to market research, there are currently 42 million active film camera users globally, with a significant portion aged 18-30. This trend is believed to be influenced by social media trends and a yearning for a more authentic and genuine representation of moments.\n\nContent creators and users have expressed their preference for digital cameras over phone cameras, citing the \"gritty\" and \"more real\" quality of photos taken with traditional cameras. Similarly, low-exposure photos produced by iPhones and Androids are also gaining traction on social media. The reporter's photography friend and content creator Lily Redman explained that digital cameras capture a moment in time, preserving memories more accurately than phone photos, which often appear warped due to the perception of time.\n\nNot only digital cameras but early MP3 devices, such as iPods, are also experiencing a surge in demand. Backmarket reported a 48% increase in iPod sales between 2024 and 2025. Cheri Sanih, a 30-year-old content creator, attributes this trend to nostalgia and the desire to escape from the constant notifications on her smartphone. For Sanih, owning an iPod provides a sense of escapism and connection to simpler times, as well as a visually appealing design with a user-friendly interface.\n\nWired headphones have also found their place back in the spotlight, with users appreciating their simplicity and the clear microphone function. Monique Wellman-Mason, a 23-year-old social media manager, prefers wired headphones over wireless ones due to the tangles she often encounters with her earbuds. She enjoys the tactile experience and the constant connection to her phone.\n\nThe resurgence of these older technologies can be attributed to a desire for control, as explained by Andrew Przybylski, a professor of technology and human behavior at the University of Oxford. The modern digital world often leaves individuals feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of options, leading to decision paralysis. By choosing to use older technology, people can take control of their experiences and create a sense of connection. Przybylski emphasizes that purchasing one's own music or taking one's own pictures fosters a stronger bond with the content, providing a fulfilling sense of ownership.",
  "summary": "We're surrounded by more advanced tech in 2026, so why are young people going back to basics?",
  "key_points": [
    "Digital cameras, wired headphones, and early MP3 players like iPods resurging in popularity.",
    "42 million active film camera users globally, with majority aged 18-30.",
    "Preference for digital cameras over phone cameras for capturing \"gritty\" and \"real\" moments."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The resurgence of digital cameras, wired earphones, and early MP3 players signals a shift towards valuing authenticity, control, and tactile experience in a world where smartphones can feel overwhelming.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}