It’s no secret that college students in this day and age spend a large amount of time enhancing, face-tuning, and editing their photos to get the perfect social media post. However, a ‘90s favorite is making a comeback and has the potential to scrap this concept altogether: disposable cameras.

When we take pictures on our phones, we instantly go into a social media-centered mindset: which filters would look best with our feed, what face-tune does it need, and which quirky caption will grab the greatest number of likes? All of these thoughts run through our heads the second we click the camera shutter.

When photos are taken on a disposable camera, all of these processes are abolished. There cannot be any stress over a picture that is not developed yet and won’t be for weeks to come. We just simply snap the photo and then get to reminisce on it once developed. This makes disposable cameras the perfect way to capture memories without worrying about the modern pressure of social media.

Some popular ones, such as Fujifilm Quicksnap and Kodak Funsaver, have a built-in flash and are extremely user-friendly. They also typically allow for 27 exposures (pictures) per camera. While it may seem like a small number, it just makes it more exciting and exclusive to plan out how to make the best use of them. It also ensures that you don’t have to sort through countless duplicate pictures just to find the best version of a photo – there is only one version to choose from.

There are even smartphone apps that make pictures from camera rolls look like they were taken on a disposable camera, such as HUJI. Some creators have even coined the disposable concept, giving the illusion of getting them “developed” by making you wait before you can fully see the pictures. 

The idea of having physical copies of my memories is what appeals the most to me. I have grown to despise posting on most social media platforms today because of the anxiety, body-image issues and societal pressure it caused me as a teenager. Nowadays, I take pictures of my life solely because I want to remember them and have them for myself – not for everyone on the internet to scroll through. And disposable cameras tie this process together perfectly for me.

The next time you make a back-to-school run to prepare for the semester, consider adding a disposable camera to your cart. Not only are they a trendy tool for taking pictures of your life, but they can help preserve your memories for years beyond a phone screen.