# Alienating Technology Photography Babycakes Romero Suggests the Smartphone Has Killed Conversation By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-10-17 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/babycakes-romero References: [boredpanda](http://www.boredpanda.com/the-death-of-conversation/) & [babycakesromero](http://babycakesromero.com/) Babycakes Romero wants you to know that he doesn't have a problem with technology, per say. Instead, he has problem with how technology is making us boring. Romero set out to photograph people and their [smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-device-addiction) in a series he refers to as '[The Death of Conversation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-detox-device).' He explains that he was first attracted to people and their devices because of a symmetry that was visually appealing. The longer he photographed them, however, he noticed an "inherent sadness to the proceedings." Why is it that we're no longer content to be in the company we're in? It's almost as though we constantly desire to be somewhere else, which we achieve by remaining "[plugged in](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heinekens-latest-campaign)" to our devices at all times. Romero believes that we are only decreasing connection and increasing our collective social pain. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Death-of-conversation Photography:** Capturing the negative impacts of technology on human interaction through visual storytelling. - **Unplugging Movement:** Creating platforms and campaigns to encourage people to disconnect from their devices and engage in meaningful communication. - **Human-centered Technology Design:** Developing technology and devices that prioritize human well-being and social connection. ### Who This Affects Most - **Photography:** Exploring the possibilities of photography as a tool for social commentary and cultural critique. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Creating brand campaigns and advertisements that appeal to the desire for human connection and authentic communication. - **Technology:** Innovating technology designed to enhance human interaction and communication, rather than replace it with screens and devices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sea-Inspired Anti-Smartphone Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartphonefasting-sour.md) - [Minimalist Co-Branded Mobile Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boring-phone.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Distraction-Free Flip Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/consumer-cellular.md) - [Redefining Screen-Free Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/camp-snap.md) - [Analog-Themed Camera Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/analog-life.md) - [Uncomfortable Anti-Tech Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uscellular.md) - [Loneliness-Combating AI Teddy Bears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-friend-chatbot.md) - [Acrylic Smartphone Addiction Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/methaphone.md)