In every palm, a potential boombox

Children watch a video on a phone in New York on June 1, 2024. For people bothered by the liberal use of speakerphones, the public sphere can be a circle of hell. — The New York Times

Hang out anywhere there are people – the LRT station, fast food restaurants, the ICU – and it can feel as if there’s no escape from their noise. A football game, the Beyoncé discography, FaceTime conversations about nothing: Thanks to the unfettered use of speakerphones, other people’s business is now yours too, loudly.

To be fair, not using headphones may have nothing to do with disrespect. Many smartphones don’t have traditional headphone jacks. Bluetooth headphones can be pricey. Sometimes you just forgot to bring earbuds, and it’s your mom’s birthday.