Wild night out in cellphone camera era can come back to haunt you

Nostalgia can be a dangerous trap, but sometimes the way that life used to be, and not so long ago, was a simpler navigation through fun, engagement and enjoying a night out, without the caveat that a babelaas might not be the only kind of hangover from a night on the town.

There was no social media. And even until the mid-2010s it was still somewhat safe to say that a great night out would not necessarily turn you into a viral village idiot a few days later, and then forever.

These days, reels and stories turn whatever you do into a reality show for the rest of the world. And the origins are not always your own circle of friends.

Imagine a reckless night on the town, dancing or karaoke crooning.

But later you receive a forwarded copy of your wooden-microphone-winning performance from an acquaintance you have not spoken to in years. Because some person in a dark corner of the club filmed you and posted the video.

And with seven degrees of separation, a friend had a laugh and tagged you in the video.

Friends do not let friends drive under the influence of alcohol. It was a great campaign in the 1980s. Today, it should have an add-on tagline: friends do not allow friends to be filmed, either.

There is just no privacy anymore, and as aspiring Spielbergs and Tarantinos of the mobile age chase their personal influencer audiences, all hope is lost for an enjoyable time sans the risk of your own paparazzi moment.

Imagine going on a date these days. Two people, a restaurant, a great meal and a getting-toknow-you conversation.

But, just like cowboys and gangsters used to slap their guns onto the table before getting down to business, today it is a cellphone on the table.

And someone will be tempted to provide post-it-all commentary on the date, either via WhatsApp to close friends or a post publicly.

Today you are never alone, and while a date should comprise two people getting to know one another, cellphones and social media bring the whole damn family and friends along for the ride.

Drive-in theatres used to be a fantastic way to see a movie. A family could drive off to enjoy popcorn and saucy burgers and picnic under the stars.

Date nights and the proverbial “back seat” offered a different romantic night out and most folk also watched the flick.

Imagine a night at the drive-in now. A family of four, with four devices brightening the cabin, all distracted with posts and messaging while trying to also focus on the big screen.

Romancing couples would stay in the front seat because it is closer to the power outlet in case devices need charging.

Social media and instant messaging can make life more interesting, but the fear of missing out on anything along with over-sharing has turned into gluttonous consumption of a digital reality that makes us forget about really living, and being present, in the moment.