WIRELESS earbuds have become an everyday accessory for young Malaysians, appearing in LRT stations, university campuses, shopping malls and even at busy road crossings. As a psychiatrist who works closely with adolescents and young adults, I understand their appeal: they offer privacy, entertainment and a sense of personal space in an increasingly crowded world. Yet I am deeply concerned about the growing risks associated with this habit — risks that are not theoretical, but tragically real. Recently, the nation was shaken by the heartbreaking death of a university student in Kelantan who was struck by a motorcycle while crossing the road. Early reports suggest she was wearing wireless earbuds and may not have heard the approaching vehicle. A young life full of potential ended in seconds, leaving a family shattered and a community grieving. This tragedy is not an isolated incident; it is a warning we cannot afford to ignore.
Wireless earbuds are convenient and stylish, but problems arise when they shut us off from the world around us. When our ears are filled with sound, our brain focuses inward — on the music, the conversation, the video — rather than on the environment. This is a well-known psychological effect called inattentional blindness, where the mind fails to register danger even when it is directly in front of us. A honking car, a reversing lorry, a speeding motorcycle, a train pulling into a platform, or a safety announcement can all be missed in a split second, and that split second can change everything.
International studies have shown a rise in pedestrian accidents linked to headphone use. One well-known study by Dr Richard Lichenstein documented 116 cases of serious injury or death among pedestrians wearing headphones between 2004 and 2011, most of them young people. Malaysia is no exception. While official data is limited, research by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) has documented significant levels of distracted walking involving mobile electronic devices, including headphone use. A 2016 observational study recorded more than 300 distracted pedestrians, demonstrating behavioural risks similar to those reported internationally. The tragedy in Kelantan is only the latest to make headlines and the truth is simple: when your ears are blocked, your awareness drops and when awareness drops, risk rises.
As a Muslim psychiatrist, I cannot separate this issue from the values that guide our lives. Islam places great importance on protecting life and Allah SWT reminds us, “Do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:195). This applies not only to major acts, but also to everyday behaviours that increase the risk of harm. The Prophet Muhammad SAW taught the principle of la darar wa la dirar — do not harm yourself and do not harm others. Wearing earbuds while walking may seem harmless, but if it reduces your ability to detect danger, it becomes a form of self-endangerment. Faith calls us to be mindful, medicine calls us to be cautious and common sense calls us to be responsible.
Beyond accidents, earbuds carry long-term health risks, including permanent hearing loss from loud volumes, tinnitus, ear infections from trapped moisture and bacteria, and mental fatigue from constant audio stimulation. As a psychiatrist, I have seen how sensory overload can worsen anxiety, disrupt sleep and contribute to emotional exhaustion. Young people are especially drawn to earbuds for reasons such as the desire for personal space, the pressure to stay constantly connected, social norms, and fashion. But none of these reasons justify risking one’s life.
The young woman who lost her life in Kelantan will never return home and her family will carry this grief forever. As a society, we owe it to her — and to every young Malaysian — to learn from this painful lesson. Accidents happen fast, technology can distract us and a moment of inattention can cost a lifetime. We can all take simple steps to stay safe: remove earbuds when walking near roads, use only one earbud if you must listen, follow the World Health Organization (WHO) 60–60 rule (no more than 60% volume, for no more than 60 minutes at a time), avoid answering calls while walking, stay alert in high-risk areas and remind friends and family to do the same. Schools and universities should incorporate safety reminders into orientation programmes and Malaysia should consider launching public health campaigns on distracted walking, just as we have done for smoking, dengue, and road safety.
To young Malaysians, your life is precious. Your dreams, ambitions and future matter deeply, but none of them can be realised if your life is cut short by a preventable accident. Earbuds are not the enemy; complacency is. As a psychiatrist, I have seen too many families shattered by sudden loss. As a Muslim, I believe we are accountable for how we protect the gift of life. As a Malaysian, I want to see our youth thrive — safely and mindfully. Let us honour those we have lost by changing our habits before more tragedies occur. Let us choose awareness over distraction, safety over convenience and life over risk. May we all walk with our senses open, our minds alert and our hearts grateful for every step we take.
Prof Dr Muhammad Najib Mohamad Alwi is a psychiatry professor at Management and Science University (MSU)’s International Medical School.
