The Power of Screenlove

A person sits in an airplane seat, silhouetted against a vibrant sunset visible through the window. The sky transitions from deep orange to soft pink, casting a warm glow inside the cabin. The passenger is focused on the screen of a mobile phone. The interior is dimly lit, with overhead compartments and seat details faintly visible. The scene conveys a sense of calm and travel during twilight.
Two passengers look at their mobile phone screens while a beautiful sunset is on display outside their windows on an airplane. — J. Matthew Buchanan

Are kids addicted to their screens? Maybe, but they're not the only ones. This older couple stayed fixed on their screens on a recent flight while an incredible sunset was on full display on their side of the plane (and not mine!). I think they missed the entire thing, which is crazy to me. I have to look out the window when flying, particularly during takeoffs and landings. And definitely when nature is putting on a show.

My side of the plane on this flight had no view of the sunset, but I still stared out the window as we descended over Nova Scotia and approached Halifax. I occasionally glanced over to get a glimpse of the sunset through their window and noticed their intense focus on their screens throughout the entire process. After going back and forth a few times between my window and theirs, I realized the story of this scene and captured the photo.

Metadata

EXIF & IPTC
Published
May 25, 2026
Identifier
JMB-20260520M-0008
Camera Make
Apple
Camera
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Lens
iPhone 15 Pro Max back camera 6.765mm f/1.78
Focal Length
6.8mm
Aperture
f/1.8
Shutter Speed
1/110s
ISO
ISO 200
Captured
May 20, 2026, 8:11 PM
Exposure Program
Program AE
Metering Mode
Spot
Flash
Off, Did not fire
White Balance
Auto
Exposure Compensation
-2
Creator
J. Matthew Buchanan
State
Ontario
Country
Canada
Copyright
Copyright 2026 J. Matthew Buchanan
Rights Usage Terms
All rights reserved
Copyright URL
Web Statement of Rights