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September 13, 2005
say what?
A recent article in Wired reports that hearing loss can result from our regular use of earphones such as those we commonly use with mp3-players, like iPods, and cell phones. This goes back to the invention of Walkmans back in the mid-eighties. However, recent devices and prolonged battery life have seen a dramatic increase in the use of earphones.
Why mention this here? Because it points to the connections between technology, culture, and the body. What we see here is a set of cultural practices that arise around the development of particular technologies. Everywhere you go, especially on college campuses, people are wearing earphones. We use them in cars to make phone calls. Even at home or in dorm rooms, people use earphones, perhaps out of habit as much as anything else. As the article reports, people listen to these devices to block out other noises around them.
The physical result of this technocultural practice is hearing loss. But there are other implications as well. What's your opinion of the way these devices are shaping our technologies?
Posted by Alex Reid at September 13, 2005 1:44 PM
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