Dear Readers,
Have you ever been enjoying a cosy cup of coffee in a café when suddenly the person next to you starts blaring a voice message on speaker? Or worse, taking a call on loudspeaker, or watching a video without headphones? If such an experience wasn’t an instant disruption to you and everyone around you, I rest my case.
What many don’t realise is that phone audio is far more intrusive than a normal conversation. Our brains are wired to process live speech naturally, filtering out background chatter. But sound from a phone’s speaker is sharper, less nuanced, and cuts through ambient noise in a way that demands attention. That’s why a loudspeaker call feels so much more disturbing than two people having a quiet discussion nearby.
While phones are an essential part of our daily lives, they shouldn’t be used without consideration for others. Public spaces are shared spaces, and being aware of our surroundings is key to maintaining a pleasant environment for everyone. Whether you’re in a café, on public transport, or waiting in line, always use headphones or step away if you need to listen to something (it’s those small gestures that show respect for those around you).
Phones are a great tool, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of others’ comfort. Let’s create a more pleasant shared environment (especially when headphones have already been invented). 🙂
Yours sincerely,
Katarina
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