This is a big problem with a lot of shows. I'm fine with you taking a few pictures, but to be on your phone or whatever all the time, why even bother going? It should be about the music. Which is why when I saw Jeff Mangum it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. This is because all tech was prohibited during his set, and if you attempted to take a picture security could (and did to some people) either move you to the back or ask you to leave. If you're at a show, it should be about the music. Period.Related problem: Recently went to a little show (no one you know DJ'd, trust me) with a friend of mine from my first couple of college years. They were on their social media almost the entire time, posting to instagram, facebook, twitter, face-timing their S.O., etc. Only maybe 35% of the time did they actually focus on the moment.
It's an interesting discussion. I read some research recently that showed that during a mystical, religious, or meditative experience the language centres of the brain have a big decrease in activity. This is why people can so rarely describe their experience during one of these occurrences. This also means that in trying to explain it, the experience is diminished. I think this could translate to music as well. When you're at a show, and you really get sucked in, it's almost like a trance. The music has it mystical draw on you, and the feeling is almost ethereal. So if you're taking photos or video, which by all means are pretty shoddy, not only may you be distracting someone else from their experience, but also lessening your own. Firstly by the fact that you're not in the moment whilst you're trying to point a camera, and secondly because you'll rewrite any 'magical' memory of your night when you view the sub-par camera footage.