There are some consequences to this scenario, if it plays out. For one, earbuds will cease to perform any social signaling whatsoever. Today, having one’s earbuds in while talking suggests that you are on a phone call, for example. Having them in while silent is a sign of inner focus—a request for privacy. That’s why bothering someone with earbuds in is such a social faux-pas: They act as a do-not-disturb sign for the body. But if AirPods or similar devices become widespread, those cues will vanish. Everyone will exist in an ambiguous state between public engagement with a room or space and private retreat into devices or media.
Les AirPods ont profondément modifié mon rapport au smartphone — j’utilise moins mon iPhone, dont je me sers avant tout pour écouter des podcasts et trier mes mails, au profit de mon Apple Watch et de la commande vocale. Je me demande jusqu’à quel point ils peuvent modifier mon rapport aux autres — j’avoue ne retirer qu’un écouteur pour acheter ma baguette, sans que cela n’empêche la vendeuse de bavarder, et je vois souvent des ados discuter avec les oreilles bouchées. Intriguant.