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The use of electronic handheld personal devises is worldwide 21st century addiction.

Their use has become a source of isolation. In social situations, people can be seen interacting with their phone instead of each other. It is widespread problem and something that affects us all.

Photographer, Eric Pickersgill, decided to do a sociology experiment and photography people’s social interaction in conjunction with handheld technology.

“I have found myself looking at people who are engaged with their personal devices all the time. When I am making these observations, I wonder, am I looking at these people because they’re not likely to notice that I’m looking at them or am I looking at them because I see my own habits being mirrored back at me. How can the use of personal devises affect relationships and how can I use photography to explore this question?”

~ Eric Pickersgill

The project Eric came up with is brilliant. He decided to photograph people in situations while holding their electronic devises, but prior to shooting the photo, remove the device.

He calls it Removed.

View full project here.

What strikes me is the bored, completely checked out expressions on each of the participants faces. It’s uncanny and it’s something we see constantly, on the faces of strangers, our friends, colleagues and loved ones.

Removed from Eric Pickersgill on Vimeo.

“It is undeniable that society and relationships are changing due to technology and whether or not these changes are good or bad, I have faith that people will continue questioning these changes that society is experiencing. After all, it is chasing these questions that makes life most interesting.” ~ Eric Pickersgill

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Relephant:

“Whoever is doing this Hipster Barbie thing, it’s hilarious.”

Editor: Ashleigh Hitchcock