Summary of the Key Points
This article explores how technology (digital cameras, navigation systems, social media, AI) has transformed the travel experience by comparing travel methods before and after the 1990s. It highlights the shift from a reliance on written records and in-depth interpersonal interactions to a more superficial approach that relies on photos, videos, and pre-made templates for “check-in”-style travel experiences. The author warns of the potential risks associated with AI, which can lead to the creation of “fabricated memories.” They advocate for returning to genuine communication and written documentation as ways to preserve the details and emotional warmth of travel.
1. Traveling Before the 1990s: Relying on Words and Imagination
Before the 1990s, digital cameras were not available, so travel memories had to be captured through writing or drawing. For example, in “Hiking around the Golden Horn,” the author and their group did not even have a unified map and knew very little about their destination; they relied entirely on imagination and asking for directions from locals. There were no guidebooks or navigation systems, so finding one’s way meant engaging with the local community. The hostel lobby served as a “marketplace for information,” where people shared personal experiences—such as which place had good coffee or which path offered beautiful views. This type of travel was not about visiting specific attractions; it was about creating a continuous narrative of encounters, conversations, and thoughts, all recorded in writing to form a complete memory.
2. Modern Travel: Are Beautiful Photos Leading to Empty Memories?
After the year 2000, the widespread use of digital cameras led to photos gradually replacing written records. Initially, photos were used for documentation purposes, but as photo editing software became popular, they began to be “processed” to look better—bad weather was edited out, and unnecessary elements were added. When sharing photos on social media, only the carefully curated images were posted, sometimes without any accompanying text. The result is that years later, people may only remember having been somewhere but cannot recall the actual conditions, the people they met, or even the real scenes—because their memories are replaced by repeatedly viewed “fake” photos.
3. Technology’s Impact on Travel: Making Us Lazier and Possibly Erasing Reality
The emergence of navigation apps like Google Maps made it unnecessary to ask for directions, reducing interactions with locals. Social media has accelerated the dissemination of information, leading people to follow preset itineraries and losing the surprise of discovery. More concerning is the role of AI, which can edit photos, write copywriting, and even create fictional travel experiences. Travelers are now reduced to mere observers; AI can “express” their experiences for them. Over time, real travel experiences may be replaced by fabricated content, potentially altering our memories as well.
4. The Changing Essence of Travel: From “Seeing with Our Own Eyes” to “Taking Photos According to Templates”
In the past, people traveled because they were unfamiliar with their destinations and wanted to see for themselves—like Europeans going to Tasmania to see the so-called “Island of Hell.” Today, we often see countless photos in advance and then simply follow a template when we arrive, losing the desire to explore the unknown. This is similar to what the Little Prince illustrates: people cannot imagine the beauty of pink brick houses, bougainvillea flowers, or pigeons unless specifically described; however, they find a house worth 100,000 francs attractive because of its standard appearance. We are replacing genuine feelings and imagination with a standardized visual experience.
5. How to Preserve the Authenticity of Travel?
The author suggests that during future trips, we should engage more with locals—even if they don’t have interesting stories—to share our own experiences. We should also pay attention to the details around us—the wind during conversations, the birds flying by, the flowers in the corners. These written records can bring back those moments years later, providing a more vivid and emotional connection to the trip. After all, the true meaning of travel is not just about “having been there” but about “experiencing it.”
In essence, this article argues that while technology has made travel more convenient, it has also made us lose the most valuable aspects of travel: authentic experiences and memories filled with emotional warmth. Instead of striving for perfect photos, we should take the time to capture and preserve those fleeting details through writing and genuine interactions.