iPod
craze leaves some uneasy
By:
Shannon
Jones
Date:
04/15/2006
Web posted
at: 3:00 p.m. EDT
The appeal of new technology to today's
youth is considered the downfall of society to
their elders. With the iPod phenomenon popping up
just about everywhere, many people are left
wondering what effect this new gadget will have on
our culture.
The
iPod is a compact digital media device put out by
Apple Computers to allow the owner a continuous
source of personalized music. While this is
entertaining and fascinating to the younger
generation, many parents and seniors fear that
iPods promote solitude and are taking away from
one-on-one communication. There is little or no
opportunity to strike up a conversation when
someone has earphones stuck in their ears.
Over
40-million iPods have been sold since they were
first put on the market in 2002. Originally
appealing only to those who were considered to be
technologically savvy, iPod creators say they now
offer an easy to use method that is easy to
understand and enjoy. This is not the case for
anyone who does not own a computer, or does not
feel comfortable using one. The technological
comprehension needed to use an iPod is too advanced
for people who have no history with computers.
The
iPod is not the first of its kind. It follows suit
with walkmans, discmans and mini-disc and MP3
players, each more technologically advanced than
its predecessor. However, unlike walkmans and
discmans that could only play what was on the
cassette or CD at the time it was recorded, the
iPod plays music from a playlist determined by the
owner. Music is uploaded onto the device from a
computer using the application iTunes. There is no
need to go to a store to purchase music.
The
iPod's earbud style of headphones are more likely
to cause hearing impairment than the muff style
associated with the older devices. This is because
earbuds can increase the sound level up to nine
decibels. The level of bacteria inside the ear also
increases when using this style of headphone. For a
relatively new product, the iPod already has too
many health risks associated with it. Not to
mention the fact that when people are wearing
headphones, they are more than likely not paying
attention to their surroundings. This can lead to
dangerous accidents. If a person wearing headphones
is crossing the street and not paying enough
attention to look both ways, they will not be
considered at fault if they are hit by a car; it
will be the innocent person driving who is blamed,
as pedestrians have the right of way.
The
iPod craze will eventually be replaced by a new
form of technology that will gain the love of youth
and continue to annoy their elders. It is only a
matter of time.
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