The AirPods Effect • Hacker News Board

Re: The AirPods Effect

#211

Post by lukan » Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 10:35 AM UTC

collinmcnulty wrote: post #206

What I would really love is an option to have a small indicator light or visible signal on my earpiece that means “there’s no sound playing”. And if I’m using them just for noise cancellation but want to appear approachable, I can turn it on. Honestly would be great for sound my home, as sometimes I keep them in when doing chores just because I don’t have a free hand, but I would like my wife to know she can talk to…

Outside I sometimes have headphones on without music, just so people do not approach me ..

But with your wife, doesn't eye contact work as communicating need for talk? Body language?

Re: The AirPods Effect

#212

Post by basisword » Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 10:35 AM UTC

XorNot wrote: post #87

basisword wrote: post #54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>> I try avoid inviting weirdos to complain about minorities or marginalized people from someone who has driven away anyone close to them. I would suggest that it's your avoidance of talking to strangers that makes you think this is how a lot of them think. And it kind of proves the point that society can suffer because of it. If you went out tomorrow and talked to 100 random strangers for 10mins I'd be surprised if…

That is statistically unlikely. Almost everyone has a "racist uncle" type story and that's what, out of 10 people in your family tops? Chances are at least 20 of them would.

>> Almost everyone has a "racist uncle" type story

IRL I've never met one real person that has a 'racist uncle'.

Re: The AirPods Effect

#213

Post by wcrossbow » Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 10:36 AM UTC

gijsnijholt1980 wrote: post #195

steve1977 wrote: post #144

What I find interesting is that the article seems to imply that wearing earbuds to isolate is somewhat "unnatural" (for lack of a better term). However it does not take into account that the kind of social interactions where people wear earbuds (i.e. loud and busy environments with many strangers, often physically closer than comfortable) is unnatural to begin with. For me, isolating myself acoustically is a way to n…

Agreed. Unrelated pro-tip: wearing them while riding a motorcycle. Reduces fatigue and transforms a rough experience into almost luxurious. Highly recommended.

Sorry but no! On my corner of the world it's not allowed but more importantly it's dangerous. When riding your bike you must have all your senses fully engaged. First day I got on my new ride my dad gave me a piece of biker wisdom: You are the weakest and smallest vehicle () on the road, watch out and drive like nobody can see you or cares about you.

() Bicycles and other light vehicles excluded

Re: The AirPods Effect

#214

Post by stavros » Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 10:48 AM UTC

sejje wrote: post #40

comrade1234 wrote: post #28

Do tattoos too. American living in Switzerland and it's shocking when I go back.

What are the social effects of tattoos?

Too much beautiful art walking around.

Re: The AirPods Effect

#215

Post by _jw » Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 10:49 AM UTC

wcrossbow wrote: post #213

gijsnijholt1980 wrote: post #195

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Agreed. Unrelated pro-tip: wearing them while riding a motorcycle. Reduces fatigue and transforms a rough experience into almost luxurious. Highly recommended.

Sorry but no! On my corner of the world it's not allowed but more importantly it's dangerous. When riding your bike you must have all your senses fully engaged. First day I got on my new ride my dad gave me a piece of biker wisdom: You are the weakest and smallest vehicle ( ) on the road, watch out and drive like nobody can see you or cares about you. ( ) Bicycles and other light vehicles excluded

I ride with AirPods on, no content playing, just transparency mode. It cuts harsh wind noise, maintains 3D acoustics, and keeps me safer as a result. They’re a hearing aid for me in this case.

Re: The AirPods Effect

#216

Post by Neywiny » Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 10:51 AM UTC

gijsnijholt1980 wrote: post #195

steve1977 wrote: post #144

What I find interesting is that the article seems to imply that wearing earbuds to isolate is somewhat "unnatural" (for lack of a better term). However it does not take into account that the kind of social interactions where people wear earbuds (i.e. loud and busy environments with many strangers, often physically closer than comfortable) is unnatural to begin with. For me, isolating myself acoustically is a way to n…

Agreed. Unrelated pro-tip: wearing them while riding a motorcycle. Reduces fatigue and transforms a rough experience into almost luxurious. Highly recommended.

When I got my (admittedly car) license they made it clear that's illegal. Hasn't stopped people from doing it but yeah don't. Maybe get a quieter exhaust

Re: The AirPods Effect

#217

Post by jzb » Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 10:52 AM UTC

This is not new. AirPods are newish, but this is not new. People have been wearing headphones in public spaces since the Walkman, if not before, in large numbers. You can probably find opinion columns bemoaning this shortly after the introduction of the Walkman.

Re: The AirPods Effect

#218

Post by Hnaomyiph » Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 10:52 AM UTC

imaginationra wrote: post #210

[flagged]

While crass, I’m likely going to think about your comment for a long time as someone who typically doesn’t enjoy surface-level interactions or doesn’t enjoy engaging with people who I know the relationship will never move from acquaintance/coworker levels.

Your comment will likely make me leave my AirPods in their charging case more as I go about my day to day activities, or at least think about using them more intentionally than I do now, which is having them in basically 24/7.

Re: The AirPods Effect

#219

Post by hnthrow10282910 » Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 10:55 AM UTC

I live in a big city and notice this a lot as well. I’m starting to reduce my headphone usage. My hearing is getting worse at a young age.

I don’t think the default should be needing to have a soundtrack to your life. I’m a long distance runner and often run 15-20+ miles without music or headphones. It’s nice

Re: The AirPods Effect

#220

Post by GJim » Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 10:55 AM UTC

gijsnijholt1980 wrote: post #195

steve1977 wrote: post #144

What I find interesting is that the article seems to imply that wearing earbuds to isolate is somewhat "unnatural" (for lack of a better term). However it does not take into account that the kind of social interactions where people wear earbuds (i.e. loud and busy environments with many strangers, often physically closer than comfortable) is unnatural to begin with. For me, isolating myself acoustically is a way to n…

Agreed. Unrelated pro-tip: wearing them while riding a motorcycle. Reduces fatigue and transforms a rough experience into almost luxurious. Highly recommended.

Stupidly dangerous and (in my country) illegal.

Please retract your comment and don't encourage such stupidity.

EDIT: Since this is being misinterpreted... Earplugs that deaden sound are fine and encouraged on a motorbike, playing music in your ears is what masks other sound and is both stupid and illegal.