By Kaia Costa
How often are you having a conversation with someone and you see a white pod sticking out of their ear? Yes, as a teenage girl in high school, I’ve been guilty of wearing my AirPods during conversations or serious settings where they may not be appropriate. But after a tragic laundry machine incident, my AirPods have no longer been a part of my day-to-day life. Does my exclusion make me more hypervigilant about the patterns regarding AirPod wear? Maybe. But in my defense, it’s becoming hard to miss.
Admittedly, yes, these glorified headphones are extremely convenient and efficient when you need them. And if that time may be spent playing your favorite tunes to get you through a long math class, or an optimistic podcast to give you that extra push on a long day, it’s understandable! But when you’re having a direct conversation with someone else, do you find it difficult to understand what they’re saying? Do you ever consider that what they have to tell you may have more value than whatever distraction is blasting into your ears? If these earpieces are so popular, and clearly not going anywhere, normalize pausing what you’re playing and maybe even putting them back in their case when approached.
Many teenagers thrive on the idea of being “nonchalant.” Unfortunately, there is a massive epidemic of demographically, high school students who think that if you’re able to put the least effort into your appearance and general life, while still being considered cool, you’re doing something right. You can see this pattern everywhere: pajama pants at school, slippers, and accessories meant to make teenagers look effortlessly unbothered. But the most prevalent to me is the facade that even if their pods aren’t playing anything, the appearance alone that you’re not fully listening may make you seem completely unconcerned.
As a high school student, and a retired AirPod listener, I truly understand the appeal. But real AirPod lovers can read a room, and understand when AirPods will not be necessary! Whatever it is you’re looking for on your phone that is being projected into your ears, you may be able to find out in the real world—by talking to real people. Let’s just hope you don’t miss it.