If other people’s music annoys you, either listen to music yourself or wear ear protection.
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Whether on the train or on the beach: your own sound is everywhere in the world – what has happened to the discreet charm of headphones? Do I have to accept that everyone is listening to their devices at medium to very loud volume? – Hans S., Zurich
Dear Hans, I am optimistic about the further development of our society: a sense of justice, sensitivity, consideration, tolerance – but this comes with a price tag. Because our own feelings are also perceived more strongly and urgently than was the case a few years ago. As our respective ego zones expand, we are increasingly colliding with people who act out their sensitivities in a similar way, and friction occurs in public spaces over the smallest of things.
This is also reflected in the noise zone that people claim for themselves: While we used to debate whether it was even allowed to use the phone in public, now entire conversations, music preferences and TikTok videos are shared in the open-plan compartment. And even addressing the issue – “Could you maybe put on headphones?” – is not everyone’s cup of tea. Presumably more education, more regulation, more appeals that less is sometimes more are needed. Every time has its own challenges, until then I recommend a round of earplugs for your own peace of mind.
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