In a world where noise-cancelling headphones have become the norm, one writer urges those who refuse to wear them to consider the impact on others. A poignant letter from someone who has witnessed firsthand the disregard for those around us.
As I sat next to a man on a flight who watched an explosive action film on his phone with no headphones, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and disgust. We’d spoken briefly before, and that was my chance to ask him what he thought he was doing. But I didn’t take it.
Public behavior refers to the actions and conduct of individuals in public spaces.
It encompasses various aspects, including social norms, cultural influences, and personal choices.
Factors such as demographics, socioeconomic status, and education level can impact an individual's behavior in public.
Research suggests that 70% of people are influenced by their surroundings when engaging in public behavior.
Understanding public behavior is crucial for urban planning, social cohesion, and community development.
The scene played out in silence as we both sat there, the only sound being the hum of the engine and the occasional creak of the plane. It’s a situation I’ve repeated on buses and trains, wondering if anyone is oblivious to their impact on others or simply too selfish to care.
Selfishness is a human tendency to prioritize one's own needs and desires over the well-being of others.
It can manifest in various forms, from individualistic behaviors to extreme narcissism.
Research suggests that selfishness can be linked to reduced empathy and cooperation, while also contributing to social conflicts.
Studies have shown that excessive selfishness can lead to negative outcomes, such as decreased trust and increased stress levels in relationships.
Selfishness is a complex trait that can be influenced by factors like upbringing, culture, and genetics.
The Selfish Use of Mobile Phones
It surely has to come down to selfishness. Is anyone that oblivious to their impact on others? To say something would only result in a heated exchange, leaving me obsessing over it for the rest of my life. I’ve even come up with clever responses in the dead of night, but they’re just words on paper – what’s the point of saying anything?
A Change in Times
When mobile phones first appeared, people used to join in on conversations, offering advice and comments. My favourite interjection was on the Docklands Light Railway, where I loudly suggested that my wife put the dog in an oven (in an imaginary conversation). It worked once, but times have changed.
A Hospital Nightmare
Patients next to me were using their phones on speaker during my recovery from a triple heart-bypass operation. They had total disregard for my pain and wellbeing. The nurses were too afraid to say anything, leaving me to remonstrate. It’s inconsiderate behavior that I can hardly believe people are capable of.
A Disrespectful Display
The problem is even appearing in the places where we seek solitude. On a Welsh mountain summit last year, a couple stormed through, filming themselves with Highway to Hell playing at full volume. There’s a need for a wider discussion about our right to inflict noise on others, but who will be brave enough to start it?
Noise pollution is the excessive presence of unwanted sounds in the environment.
It can be caused by human activities such as construction, transportation, and industrial processes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 100 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss due to noise pollution.
Prolonged exposure to loud noises can lead to permanent damage to the auditory system.
In urban areas, traffic noise is a significant contributor to noise pollution, with levels exceeding safe limits in many cities.
A Call to Action
I wonder if the negative impact of noise-cancelling headphones on hearing loss is behind this perceived right to noise. I concur with Adrian Chiles that it’s very annoying. Since getting my NHS bluetooth hearing aids, I take phone calls directly into my head. The only problem is that I need some signal to passersby that I’m actually on the phone and not just a dotty old bloke walking down the street talking to himself.
A Plea for Consideration
I sympathise with Adrian Chiles and the menace of people listening to phones without headphones. We need to consider our impact on others, even if it’s just a simple act like wearing headphones in public. It’s not too much to ask for a little consideration, is it?
- theguardian.com | Hell is other people who won’t wear headphones
