What do you think of wearing headphones in public places like the supermarket, or any place where you will meet other people but have no need to speak to them?
Recently my sister started doing this to avoid other people's unnecessarily loud conversations via cellphone or one meter from another person. I have seen many people in stores do this as well.
I find it to be shutting out the world around us, to view/listen only what we want to, when we want to. Isolating one another and making random interactions all the more awkward, espicially if you happen to see an attractive person.
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Wearing headphones in public.
- Lux Aeterna
- Member
I'll just say outright that I'm a biased party. I wear headphones often--noise cancellation ones at that.
Long story short, this isn't really antisocial, and even if one were to construe it as such, it's completely permissible. For example, I tend to use my headphones a lot when I'm traveling. It's a way to take me away from the boring concept of waiting to get somewhere. When I'm listening to music, I do tend to retreat to my own world. Sometimes, my most creative thoughts come when I'm listening to music. That's not antisocial; it's just that when I'm traveling, it's unlikely that I'll interact. And when I do talk to people, I hang the headphones around my neck and give them my full attention.
I've done it sometimes when traveling with friends. For example, I traveled to Denver last year with my mock trial team. I keep my headphones around my neck, but when it was clear that I wasn't in the conversation, I was perfectly content to put them on and listen to my music. No one had a problem with it, although it kind of helps that I'm known to be somewhat introverted.
I guess some people might perceive it as rude. Doesn't mean it is. It's not "I don't want to talk to you," it's "I guess we're done here, so I hope you don't mind if I listen to my music."
Long story short, this isn't really antisocial, and even if one were to construe it as such, it's completely permissible. For example, I tend to use my headphones a lot when I'm traveling. It's a way to take me away from the boring concept of waiting to get somewhere. When I'm listening to music, I do tend to retreat to my own world. Sometimes, my most creative thoughts come when I'm listening to music. That's not antisocial; it's just that when I'm traveling, it's unlikely that I'll interact. And when I do talk to people, I hang the headphones around my neck and give them my full attention.
I've done it sometimes when traveling with friends. For example, I traveled to Denver last year with my mock trial team. I keep my headphones around my neck, but when it was clear that I wasn't in the conversation, I was perfectly content to put them on and listen to my music. No one had a problem with it, although it kind of helps that I'm known to be somewhat introverted.
I guess some people might perceive it as rude. Doesn't mean it is. It's not "I don't want to talk to you," it's "I guess we're done here, so I hope you don't mind if I listen to my music."
- #2
- 11 March 2012 - 09:55 PM
- Carcharocles
- BCI Member
I wear my headphones whenever I walk to the store. I usually take them off inside, but that's just because I want to be aware of what's around me. There's nothing wrong with it unless you start zoning out and running into people.
- #3
- 11 March 2012 - 09:58 PM
In my experience, headphones (when actually being used) have always sent the message "Please don't talk to me; I'm enjoying my music." I'm fine with that. What I hate is people deliberately putting on headphones so they have an excuse to ignore you. Or when you can hear the person's music/game/porn/whatever even though they're wearing headphones. This is especially irksome because they can't hear you asking them to turn it down, and also because they often interpret it as the asker just being whiny and annoying.
So, basically, headphones are fine if you are listening to music, but only if I can't hear it.
So, basically, headphones are fine if you are listening to music, but only if I can't hear it.
- #4
- 11 March 2012 - 10:10 PM
- Carcharocles
- BCI Member
Any decent quality set of headphones will block out at least some sound leakage. The only headphones that are worth buying under 20 dollars are the KSC-75; along with the Sport-a-Pro and Port-a-Pro, they're the only good headphones worth buying that leak any noticeable amount of sound, and you have to really crank them up to have a problem.
- #5
- 11 March 2012 - 10:23 PM
- Anialator
- Member
Wearing headphones outside when your walking about makes it easier for people to sneak up and try to mug you.
Whilst I am cycling however I have my headphones in, but that's probably irrelevant to the ignoring people issue unless your cycling with someone else, in which case having to shout at people so they can hear you is also a nuisance.
My £2 headphones rock and are silent to others when worn so shh Charch
Whilst I am cycling however I have my headphones in, but that's probably irrelevant to the ignoring people issue unless your cycling with someone else, in which case having to shout at people so they can hear you is also a nuisance.
My £2 headphones rock and are silent to others when worn so shh Charch
- #6
- 11 March 2012 - 10:50 PM
I think it's fine if it's in public when you're around strangers. However, having them on while talking to someone, or when you're at someone's house or something, is unforgivably rude.
This post has been edited by Sammy: 12 March 2012 - 04:55 PM
- #7
- 12 March 2012 - 12:18 AM
- KAS Bat
- Member
I'll normally just wear my noise-cancellers when I'm traveling, or going somewhere by myself or surrounded by people in public but if I'm with friends and family or someone is talking with me I'll usually take them off or not wear them in order to be polite and/or talk with them and appear open to what they have to say.
- #8
- 12 March 2012 - 01:21 AM
- Biblioholic
- Member
I live with music. When I get impatient, the jeapordy theme plays in my head and when I want people to know I'm impatient, I whistle it. When I'm sad, I hear "Halleluja." When I'm content, I'm prone to humming and whistling Greensleeves. Music enriches life. Headphones CAN be used to make a disrespectful statement, like putting on headphones when your parents are trying to talk to you or something, but seriously? I really don't see it as a big deal. I've never gotten angry at anyone who does that, and I don't see myself ever getting angry at such a trivial thing. We're not talking, why shouldn't you listen to music? I'd just pull out the book I always have on me and read.
In four words, I agree with Jerk.
In four words, I agree with Jerk.
- #10
- 12 March 2012 - 05:49 AM
- mAceOfHearts
- Member
I wear them all the time, but take one off whenever someone speaks to me, and I decrease the volume if I end up distracting someone.
- #11
- 12 March 2012 - 07:06 AM
The interesting thing is that you are more likely to lose your hearing if you use headphones, especially if you turn them up to drown out loud environments, or if you just like your music loud.
Everyone should become as deaf as me.
Everyone should become as deaf as me.
- #12
- 12 March 2012 - 03:18 PM
- Chris
- teabagging furfag
Member 
I wear them all the time, as I too listen to a ton of music. However, if I'm wearing them in public, it usualy means i'm in a bad mood and don't wish to talk with anyone. Otherwise, I use them mostly to block out outside noise, so I can think in peace.
- #14
- 12 March 2012 - 06:42 PM
I am a audiophile at times, so my headphones are nearly always on my ears. When I had a quality set of headphones, I would hang them around my neck or take them off in discussions, but now that those broke, and don't even bother to take the crappy airplane headphones off when I am talking with someone (though I usually turn off the music, unless they are irritating me). A fun thing about headphones is that people always assume that you can't hear them when you're wearing them, so if the headphones are off it is very easy to eavesdrop. Not that I would do such a thing, no sir.
- #15
- 13 March 2012 - 10:55 PM
Why would it ever matter if someone had headphones on in public? I don't care. I see it all the time. As long as they're not too distracted by the music (not so much that they won't hear an oncoming car), it's fine.
- #16
- 15 March 2012 - 03:46 PM
- Taeshi
- one hot bitch
Administrator 
The problem with me is that I have (or rather had) a huge habit of leaving the headphones on even if the music was paused. So sometimes souppy wants to see if I can listen to him but I've been able to hear him all along. I feel people understood that honestly, since I always respond.
One way to show I'm not listening to music now is to pull the bud from one ear, that way once I'm done I put the bud back on and carry on.. or I actively show me clicking the button to pause it even if there's still one lone bud in my ear.
I'm way too messy to throw the whole headset away :-[ (iPhone headset)
One way to show I'm not listening to music now is to pull the bud from one ear, that way once I'm done I put the bud back on and carry on.. or I actively show me clicking the button to pause it even if there's still one lone bud in my ear.
I'm way too messy to throw the whole headset away :-[ (iPhone headset)
- #17
- 16 March 2012 - 04:19 AM
- Giygas
- Stupid protesters should have just kept their dumb asses home. Stupid fuckers
Member 
I wear headphones a lot, and I've been told that I'm being rude. I always reply by saying that if anything, I'm keeping the music to my own ears. What I listen to would get on their nerves anyway. People just bitch too much.
- #20
- 17 March 2012 - 11:13 PM
- Carcharocles
- BCI Member
Bourbon, I've been known to take the left ear of my headphones off when I need to talk to someone. Most people realize that my V6's will keep me from hearing them, so they gesture to me to remove one ear. After that, I can listen to my music fine, while one ear gets nothing but talk.
The multiple sounds is more annoying when I'm listening through my speakers, as they're pretty good at filling a room. I usually have to pause my music in that case or I can't hear jack shit.
The multiple sounds is more annoying when I'm listening through my speakers, as they're pretty good at filling a room. I usually have to pause my music in that case or I can't hear jack shit.
This post has been edited by Carcharocles: 19 March 2012 - 09:24 PM
- #23
- 19 March 2012 - 09:24 PM
- regularpatron
- Member
I really no problem with people wearing headphones in public places. If they really want to just drone the world out that is there own business. I personally like to have a little bit of music playing when I am walking around alone in public. It makes it seem like your life has a soundtrack, and who wouldn't love listening to Thunderstruck while getting dental cream for Grandma? 
The part where I draw the line is when you are actually with someone who is trying to have a conversation with you, and you put headphones in to block them out. If you really do not want to talk to some one you should just tell them right?
The part where I draw the line is when you are actually with someone who is trying to have a conversation with you, and you put headphones in to block them out. If you really do not want to talk to some one you should just tell them right?
- #24
- 19 March 2012 - 09:50 PM
- ChewySmokey
- BCI Member
I don't really see people using headphones in public places all that often. Even if I do see it it's usually people on the city bus or downtown waiting for the bus. This is for obvious reasons and I don't blame them for wanting to shut out the world, especially if their world current involves noisy children and annoying people on their cellphones.
For me, I wish I could listen to music while I was on the job, merchandising for Pepsi, with one mono ear-bud in an ear. It would make my day go by so much faster, but some department stores won't allow it because it poses as a health risk while I'm gathering merch in their backrooms (i.e. can't hear everything). I would also like to be able to shut out the annoying store customers who come to me with their dumb requests and meaningless questions.
For me, I wish I could listen to music while I was on the job, merchandising for Pepsi, with one mono ear-bud in an ear. It would make my day go by so much faster, but some department stores won't allow it because it poses as a health risk while I'm gathering merch in their backrooms (i.e. can't hear everything). I would also like to be able to shut out the annoying store customers who come to me with their dumb requests and meaningless questions.
- #25
- 20 March 2012 - 12:10 AM
- Taeshi
- one hot bitch
Administrator
Well yeah that's the point, managers don't want people wearing headphones while working because of the potential that they will ignore customers and thus get complaints. It doesn't matter if the questions are dumb/meaningless, you're meant to do your job and present yourself in a way that represents the business as something that cares. Wearing headphones shows you as more passive, which is why some people are really antsy about others taking the headphones off physically even if the music was paused. Sort of like how some people want you to look at them while they talk to show you're paying attention.
Why else do shows/movies portray the "bored retail teen that doesn't work" as a dumb kid with headphones lost in their own world?
Why else do shows/movies portray the "bored retail teen that doesn't work" as a dumb kid with headphones lost in their own world?
- #26
- 20 March 2012 - 02:00 AM
- ChewySmokey
- BCI Member
Taeshi, on 20 March 2012 - 02:00 AM, said:
Well yeah that's the point, managers don't want people wearing headphones while working because of the potential that they will ignore customers and thus get complaints. It doesn't matter if the questions are dumb/meaningless, you're meant to do your job and present yourself in a way that represents the business as something that cares. Wearing headphones shows you as more passive, which is why some people are really antsy about others taking the headphones off physically even if the music was paused. Sort of like how some people want you to look at them while they talk to show you're paying attention.
Why else do shows/movies portray the "bored retail teen that doesn't work" as a dumb kid with headphones lost in their own world?
Why else do shows/movies portray the "bored retail teen that doesn't work" as a dumb kid with headphones lost in their own world?
Actually, it isn't my job to deal with them, I'm just there to fill the shelves.
- #27
- 20 March 2012 - 03:14 AM
- LackLuster
- Moderator
Giygas, on 17 March 2012 - 11:13 PM, said:
I wear headphones a lot, and I've been told that I'm being rude. I always reply by saying that if anything, I'm keeping the music to my own ears. What I listen to would get on their nerves anyway. People just bitch too much.
Are you the kind of person who will talk with a friend up until you both get onto a bus, sit next to each other but before the other person can continue where you both left off you've got the headphones on?
I let my friend slide doing that kind of thing because old habits die hard and we both live up the opposite end of the city. But you're not winning that argument by basing it on your music preference.
On a completely separate note I detest people who have earphones and have their volume up all the way. Earphone quality is inferior compared to headphone quality so the most of what you're doing is pumping more high pitched noise into your ear and have it reverb out.
It absolutely pisses me off when I'm in the 'Quiet carriage' of the train trying to study and all you can hear is WUB WUB WUB WUB WUB.
This post has been edited by LackLuster: 20 March 2012 - 03:24 AM
- #28
- 20 March 2012 - 03:23 AM
- WTF
- Member
LackLuster, on 20 March 2012 - 03:23 AM, said:
It absolutely pisses me off when I'm in the 'Quiet carriage' of the train trying to study and all you can hear is WUB WUB WUB WUB WUB.
Especially when people wear beats, everyone can here that, even if it's not hurting there ears and at low volume.
Other than that, you probably won't have to hear them after they go deaf.
This post has been edited by WTF: 20 March 2012 - 03:30 AM
- #29
- 20 March 2012 - 03:27 AM
- LackLuster
- Moderator
Taeshi, on 20 March 2012 - 03:33 AM, said:
WUBBA DUBBA DUB IS THAT TRUE????
WHAT?
- #32
- 20 March 2012 - 03:39 AM
- Giygas
- Stupid protesters should have just kept their dumb asses home. Stupid fuckers
Member
LackLuster, on 20 March 2012 - 03:23 AM, said:
Giygas, on 17 March 2012 - 11:13 PM, said:
I wear headphones a lot, and I've been told that I'm being rude. I always reply by saying that if anything, I'm keeping the music to my own ears. What I listen to would get on their nerves anyway. People just bitch too much.
Are you the kind of person who will talk with a friend up until you both get onto a bus, sit next to each other but before the other person can continue where you both left off you've got the headphones on?
I let my friend slide doing that kind of thing because old habits die hard and we both live up the opposite end of the city. But you're not winning that argument by basing it on your music preference.
On a completely separate note I detest people who have earphones and have their volume up all the way. Earphone quality is inferior compared to headphone quality so the most of what you're doing is pumping more high pitched noise into your ear and have it reverb out.
It absolutely pisses me off when I'm in the 'Quiet carriage' of the train trying to study and all you can hear is WUB WUB WUB WUB WUB.
I'm usually doing it when I'm isolated in a corner of the room. I never bring my music with me to classes or anything of that manner. The only time I'll do it the way you just described it is when someone like my brother pisses me off. It's my way of saying "Alright, I'm done arguing, leave me alone." But I don't do it a lot.
- #34
- 20 March 2012 - 06:32 AM
- WTF
- Member
Shada, on 23 March 2012 - 06:45 PM, said:
I wear my headphones all the time, who cares if you wear them in public or not. How is this offensive to anybody at all.
LackLuster, on 20 March 2012 - 03:23 AM, said:
On a completely separate note I detest people who have earphones and have their volume up all the way. Earphone quality is inferior compared to headphone quality so the most of what you're doing is pumping more high pitched noise into your ear and have it reverb out.
It absolutely pisses me off when I'm in the 'Quiet carriage' of the train trying to study and all you can hear is WUB WUB WUB WUB WUB.
It absolutely pisses me off when I'm in the 'Quiet carriage' of the train trying to study and all you can hear is WUB WUB WUB WUB WUB.
Here's one reason.
This post has been edited by WTF: 23 March 2012 - 07:10 PM
- #37
- 23 March 2012 - 07:09 PM
- Shada
- BCI Member
Eh, that doesn't really bother me so I didn't pay attention to that post. Usually when this scenario plays out someone yells at him to turn his music down.
I was also referring to the first post in the topic which had to deal with the comment about isolation from the world via music, I found it to be a moot point.
I was also referring to the first post in the topic which had to deal with the comment about isolation from the world via music, I found it to be a moot point.
This post has been edited by Shada: 23 March 2012 - 07:26 PM
- #38
- 23 March 2012 - 07:23 PM
- SushiJaguar
- Internet Tough Guy<br>P.S. I roleplay as a medieval furry
Member 
My auditory experience is augmented.
- #39
- 24 March 2012 - 05:36 PM
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