We all collect something. Regardless if you identify with the term “collector,” you subconsciously collect something. A lot of people collect memories in the form of photos; others collect clothes. But, you should take a look around you. How many of your photos are just uploaded to the cloud, never to be seen again? Do you even own a DVD player? How much of your music do you actually own?

Tangible media is disappearing. Gone are the days of going to a store and buying a CD or DVD; now it’s a matter of streaming or digitally downloading. However, I would make the argument that physical media deserves another chance.

There are benefits that come from collecting physical versions of media. For starters, it’s extremely satisfying. Regardless of whether they’re CDs, vinyl records, DVD’s, Blu-rays or video games, there’s much gratification in buying another component to a growing collection. Humans are born to hoard and collect; it’s in our genes. Just as a caveman had to scrounge for food, we have to scrounge for that rare limited edition Funko Pop figure. Trying to find more pieces to a collection is akin to finishing a puzzle; it gives a sense of direction and purpose. Words cannot describe the satisfaction that comes from adding pieces to a collection and watching it get bigger over time.

There are also practical benefits to collecting something physically. You can share your collection with someone else. A friend can’t borrow a video game from you if it’s digitally downloaded onto your gaming system. You can’t sell your collection years later on eBay if you physically can’t touch it.

Physical media also ensures quality control. Many people say that music on a vinyl record or CD sounds better than the streamed version on Spotify. Movies don’t have to buffer, load or connect to the internet if they’re already on a disc. How often do you stream something on Netflix just to have it be a blurry mess for five minutes before the connection gets stable? There’s also no downloading process for physical media.

Admittedly, the convenience of having a digital collection does exist. It can take up less space and often is cheaper than a physical object. However, you should keep in mind that when you buy something digitally, be it a movie, game, piece of music or whatever, you are paying for meaningless code.

Whatever it is, people collect things that remind them of who they are. I would just rather have that piece of me be something I can tangibly experience.