Imagine sitting at the airport getting distracted by someone having an entire phone conversation on speakerphone. We’ve all been there, whether it’s while wandering through the grocery store aisles or taking the subway. It’s an all-too-common occurrence, and one I just don’t understand.

No one wants to be subjected to a loud phone conversation infringing on their personal space, let alone one taking place over speakerphone. I recently had to hear a middle-aged blonde woman’s whole life story, plans for chores over the weekend, and drama with her mother-in-law while I was relaxing at the airport before a flight.

When did everyone stop using headphones or earbuds in public, or at the park? Where did common courtesy go?

Social Cues and Doomscrolling

While this isn’t a new problem, I’m noticing it more and more. Why are people choosing to have loud conversations in public, blast TikTok videos without headphones, and ignore the people around them?

Social cues are nonverbal signs, such as body language or facial expressions, used to work wonders—but not anymore. I certainly shared a few of those facial expressions with the lady at the airport, but she was too busy flipping through social media and doomscrolling (while also having an hour-long conversation on speakerphone) to notice. I don’t think she picked up on what I was throwing down, or maybe she didn’t care.

Are too many people stuck with their faces in phones to the point that we don’t notice our surroundings and societal norms? Or have those unwritten rules and expectations for behavior gone out the window? I’m not sure, but I’m not a fan. And don’t get me started on that FaceTime video from the table behind me in a restaurant.

Like thosepeople who blast music at the parkor on a hike, sound violates our personal space, just like a person’s presence can. Smartphones are amazingly powerful tools, but with anything and everything available at your fingertips, it’s too easy to get lost in that rectangular device and ignore the rest of the world. Or, be so consumed by the content that some people don’t even think about others.

Maybe speakerphone conversations in public frustrate me because they feel like intentional acts. You could easily have that conversation over the phone’s built-in speaker, headphones, or earbuds. And considering how cheap a good set of buds are these days, those feelings of frustration are only growing.

Get Some Earbuds or Headphones

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve watched a few videos at a low volume in public, but never loud enough to disturb everyone else. I’m not sure what the solution is for people ignoring the unwritten rules of the world, but there is an affordable solution.

Most phones don’t have a pair of wired headphones in the box anymore, but I’m sure most people have a few lying around. Then again, many modern phones don’t even have a 3.5mm headphone jack to use those headphones. But still, that’s no excuse.

These days, you can find some truly amazing wireless earbuds for the price of 2-3 drinks from Starbucks. For example, you can often get theseAnker P20i true wireless earbuds for around $19.99. And if you want better sound, there are endless options from all your favorite brands.

Thebest headphonesand earbuds come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and price points, which makes it all the more frustrating when people choose to have loud conversations on speakerphone. Use the built-in speaker and put it up against your ear, or get some earbuds.

Unfortunately, earbuds only fix part of this problem, as people will continue to have loud and long conversations in public spaces. But at least this way, you don’t have to hear both people ranting and raving on the phone. And considering this situation doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon, you’ll probably need to take matters into your own hands. No, I’m not talking about confronting people in public, although I’ve done that myself—I’m talking about getting some noise-canceling headphones so you’re able to enjoy your own videos, music, or movies without someone nearby ruining it all.

I already take ANC headphones on all flights so I don’t have to hear the airplane’s drone, but these days, I’m wearing them earlier to tune out others around me who aren’t as courteous.

And yes, I’m very aware that I probably sound like an old man complaining about “kids these days,” but adults do it too. All of this is to say that I wish people were more mindful of their noise levels, conversations in public, and being able to read the room. If you are going to carry on with a conversation for an hour and don’t want to hold your phone up that long, at least use earbuds or headphones.