Do you mind listening to that with headphones?

Hannah Ewens discusses the growing issue of loud personal devices on public transport, which has become increasingly common, particularly since the pandemic. She recounts her experience of a noisy commute in London, where multiple passengers played content from their phones without headphones, creating a disruptive environment. To address this, she initiated a social experiment by politely asking individuals to use headphones instead. Most responses were positive, with fellow passengers often supporting her request, although one individual reacted defensively. Ewens reflects on how societal norms have shifted, noting that while loud music from children was once frowned upon, now it seems acceptable for anyone to play content aloud. She argues that this behavior is distracting and disorienting, detracting from the communal experience of public transport. The noise not only disrupts personal space but also forces individuals into their own content bubbles, counteracting efforts to reduce screen time. Ewens envisions a future where public transport etiquette includes a collective understanding to keep personal audio private, potentially leading to a more pleasant commuting experience. Her request to one man resulted in an immediate apology, highlighting that many may not even realize the impact of their actions. She advocates for a cultural shift that encourages mindfulness about noise levels in shared spaces, suggesting that if enough people join her in this effort, it could lead to broader changes in public transport policies and social norms.