I definitely agree to a certain extent. I go hiking regularly and I wear a chest-mounted camera harness for my DSLR, which I always take. I take 50 to 100 photos on each hike (unless it's a place I've been to before) and I definitely notice that the hike becomes somewhat more passive for me in that regard.
However, in this case I'm documenting the trails for a hiking guide, so there's definitely a legitimate reason for me to do so. Once I have documented an area already, I tend to photograph much, much less along the trail unless I really find something worth taking a photo of and enjoy the hike in a much more active manner as a result.
Yea I agree. Separating purpose from pleasure is definitely important. But I would guess photographing for purpose today is in the minority. And I don't think Instagram counts as purpose.
However, in this case I'm documenting the trails for a hiking guide, so there's definitely a legitimate reason for me to do so. Once I have documented an area already, I tend to photograph much, much less along the trail unless I really find something worth taking a photo of and enjoy the hike in a much more active manner as a result.