4 ms·

It's not much better with adults. I see it even with people in my age (I'm in my sixties). I take long walks (several hours) with my dog and if I tell about it

It's not much better with adults. I see it even with people in my age (I'm in my sixties). I take long walks (several hours) with my dog and if I tell about it to people the same age as me, a common question follows – "What headphones you use?". I don't use headphones, it's only me with my thoughts. And people say that they can't do it (any more).

netsharc 1y ago
I'm glad I don't/can't do walks with headphones either, I'd rather hear the sounds of the environment (either nature, or to know if an uncontrolled car is coming at me). Only if I'm sitting in public transport/on a plane do I put them on.
Apocryphon 1y ago
It's good that you're able to go on walks without headphones, and we probably are too aurally stimulated as a society, but the Sony Walkman came out in 1979. You're applauding yourself for not falling prey to a mode of distraction that has been around since your twenties.
- discardedrefuse 1y ago
  It has less to do with the availability of portable audio tech and more to do with the insane amount of media people feel compelled to consume. Back then, if you rocked a Walkman, you carried 1 tape (about 60 minutes of music) that you listened to on repeat all day. That's very different from today's never ending stream of new media. A more interesting discussion would be about how we interact with media today vs back then.
- 542354234235 1y ago
  It isn’t about the specific mode of distraction, but that most people can’t go without it for any length of time. The ability to just “be bored” and allow your thoughts and observations of things around you to ebb and flow, without some sort of instant gratification, is a skill or discipline that is eroded by content stimulation. In the same way the discipline of a balanced healthy diet is eroded by empty calories and super caloric food that messes with your reward centers. If I say I am the only one that can avoid grabbing a donut when they are brought into the office, it isn’t about donuts specifically but an illustration of the broader problem with food.
- ericmcer 1y ago
  That was way different. Finding a specific album from a specific band that you like and engaging with it is much different than being plugged into a nonstop 24/7 flood. People are listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or algorithm derived playlists. Binge watching a reality dating show is not the same as intentionally watching a documentary about a subject you are interested in. The medium is not the key factor there.
  - lolinder 1y ago
    But if the medium isn't the key factor then why did OP place the emphasis on the medium—headphones? How do you know that their interlocutors aren't listening to self-curated playlists a la mixtapes or to a carefully selected audiobook?
dcchambers 1y ago
It's amazing how many people are absolutely terrified of a being a little bit bored.
Clubber 1y ago
It's funny. I was in a waiting room the other day and everyone, young and old were passing the time on their phones. I just sat there relaxed and enjoyed the quiet and the fact that I didn't have any immediate obligations I had to fulfill.

netsharc 1y ago

I'm glad I don't/can't do walks with headphones either, I'd rather hear the sounds of the environment (either nature, or to know if an uncontrolled car is coming at me). Only if I'm sitting in public transport/on a plane do I put them on.

Apocryphon 1y ago

It's good that you're able to go on walks without headphones, and we probably are too aurally stimulated as a society, but the Sony Walkman came out in 1979. You're applauding yourself for not falling prey to a mode of distraction that has been around since your twenties.

discardedrefuse 1y ago
It has less to do with the availability of portable audio tech and more to do with the insane amount of media people feel compelled to consume. Back then, if you rocked a Walkman, you carried 1 tape (about 60 minutes of music) that you listened to on repeat all day. That's very different from today's never ending stream of new media. A more interesting discussion would be about how we interact with media today vs back then.
542354234235 1y ago
It isn’t about the specific mode of distraction, but that most people can’t go without it for any length of time. The ability to just “be bored” and allow your thoughts and observations of things around you to ebb and flow, without some sort of instant gratification, is a skill or discipline that is eroded by content stimulation. In the same way the discipline of a balanced healthy diet is eroded by empty calories and super caloric food that messes with your reward centers. If I say I am the only one that can avoid grabbing a donut when they are brought into the office, it isn’t about donuts specifically but an illustration of the broader problem with food.
ericmcer 1y ago
That was way different. Finding a specific album from a specific band that you like and engaging with it is much different than being plugged into a nonstop 24/7 flood. People are listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or algorithm derived playlists. Binge watching a reality dating show is not the same as intentionally watching a documentary about a subject you are interested in. The medium is not the key factor there.
- lolinder 1y ago
  But if the medium isn't the key factor then why did OP place the emphasis on the medium—headphones? How do you know that their interlocutors aren't listening to self-curated playlists a la mixtapes or to a carefully selected audiobook?

dcchambers 1y ago

It's amazing how many people are absolutely terrified of a being a little bit bored.

Clubber 1y ago

It's funny. I was in a waiting room the other day and everyone, young and old were passing the time on their phones. I just sat there relaxed and enjoyed the quiet and the fact that I didn't have any immediate obligations I had to fulfill.