i-Pods have in many ways, changed the way we listen and buy music – they’ve changed the way we learn and the way we access audio content.
But as we increasingly tune in, are we doing so at the expense of the people around us? Schoolfriends? Colleagues? Families? Even …personal safety?
A recent survey of 120 workplaces in London found 22 per cent of workers were listening to their i-pods to drown out office chatter. Maybe that’s an effective way to get more work done….Or is it just plain rude?
And in New York, three pedestrians have reportedly been killed after stepping into traffic, while being distracted by electronic devices.
That’s led to calls for pedestrians to be fined US $100 if they cross a street listening to an i-pod…due to safety concerns.
There’s no doubt i-pods have a lot to offer. They store a whole lot of music and photos…and you can listen to some really useful things. For example schools are finding they’re great tools for teaching foreign languages.
But are we, as a society, becoming increasingly isolated by electronic devices such as ipods? Not to mention other personal electronic devices such as PDAs and blackberries?
Are there times that you prefer your i-pod ..to human contact? When and where should i-pods be used?
Comments (5)
Why do we crave this shutting ourselves off from the world? I think these are isolation tools and although they can be used to profit our souls, how much do we sacrifice when we rely on them for company.
We have to be really careful as Christians that we don't impede our witness to those around us by being so engrossed in our music, or electronic devices. Even our e-tags when driving - How many of us miss the human contact when we purchase a tag for use on the motorways - how I miss those snippets of conversation and that opportunity to show God's love and accceptance to a stranger?
I often question too, that if we fill our lives with noise, be it music, movies, television, conversation, ipod/mp3, lectures, sermons, etc do we miss hearing that "still small voice"; do we lose opportunities for personal heart worship, meditation, prayer and listening for God - something I fill my time with on my not-so-daily walks.
Posted by Elizabeth Webb | February 14, 2007 2:31 PM
Posted on February 14, 2007 14:31
I listen to my iPod whenever I'm cycling to or from work. I have it at a level where I can still hear the traffic around me.
I love being able to listen to my favourite music or a podcast of a favourite speaker. I love the fact that I can hear messages from people like Erwin McManus, RC Sproul and John Piper just days after they've been preached.
Posted by Rodney Olsen | February 13, 2007 11:59 PM
Posted on February 13, 2007 23:59
I am a research student and I work in a shared office. I use my MP3 player at uni when I'm trying to concentrate. I find it helpful to have classical music playing softly. The office is one where everyone is trying to concentrate on their own work so it helps me not to disturb my colleagues too! I sometimes work in a different office space that is more interactive, and I prefer not to use it there because it looks like I don't want to talk to anyone.
I also use it when I go walking on my own, but as someone else said I still like to smile and greet others, and I'll take my earphones out if I see someone I know and start talking to them.
Posted by Claire | February 12, 2007 4:41 PM
Posted on February 12, 2007 16:41
Hi Sheridan
Ipods... mobile texting... web browsing... Playstations and online gaming are all definitely changing the way we spend our time.
I don't get the whole texting and chatting online to friends. I'd rather just pick up my phone can call them. But I am 35!
Two things do concern me though...
1. The widespread attitude amongst my younger relatives that illegally downloading music, movies and TV shows from peer to peer file sharing networks is okay. They don't flinch when I question the legality. These are Christian kids.
2. The other is the online game Second Life. This is an virtual online world where you can create your own body and personality, meet virtual friends and carry out everyday activities. Social Researcher Hugh Mackay highlights the potential problem of people prefering their fantasy life more than reality. This is my concern, living life is difficult and brings many kinds of trouble but living your ideal life out in cyberspace is not the answer.
It pains me to think that people would prefer to live in a virtual world rather than the real one.
Posted by Drew | February 12, 2007 1:06 PM
Posted on February 12, 2007 13:06
I have an mp3 player and my "policy" is that it can't interfere with my relationships with others. I only use it for when I go for walks in the evening by myself, and I don't hesitate to turn it off to greet a neighbour, and stop for a chat. I do not use it at home when others are home, and I do not use it in situations (like shopping) where I need to talk to someone... the streets around here are quiet, and I never let the mp3 player (playing Open House interviews and other downloads from fm1032.com.au) be so loud that I cannot hear the noises around me.
It's just common sense.
Posted by Liz | February 12, 2007 1:03 PM
Posted on February 12, 2007 13:03