earbudless ears.

as i was leaving class today i was about to pull out my iphone, put in my headphones and start my 3 minute walk to the bike rack. this is a usual routine after my last class--actually after every class (minus the bike rack part) but today i decided to not put in my headphones. we had just finished talking about media influencing prosocial behavior in class and although this isn't an example in the media it's an example of the media effecting my prosocial behavior. as i was walking i thought that in general, i would probably be more prosocial if i wasn't in my own little world (headphones in, music somewhat blasting) every time i was surrounded by others. as i was walking i ran into an old friend and didn't have to pull out my earbuds to begin a friendly conversation with her. i got a few silent laughs in as i overheard conversations taking place around me. i continued to think about our class discussion and reflected on my personal application of the concepts talked about. these things i experienced in that three minute walk were extremely more beneficial to me than hearing one song that i would have most likely listened somewhat mindlessly to. im not saying that it's awful to listen to music while walking around campus. i definitely turned on my music for my bike ride home (uphill the whole way--i need something to help it be more enjoyable). i am not someone who thinks everyone with earphones in is antisocial and hates life. i've been that person on campus for the last 2 years. all i'm saying is it might be beneficial to leave them out every once in a while.