By: Elaine Chan, Center Spread Editor
Everyday, it’s customary to walk into school and immediately put your AirPods in, a new song playing in the background. Since the 2016 release, AirPods have become an absolute necessity among students all across the Mills Campus. Whether you’re walking during passing periods, working in the library, or even during class, it’s guaranteed that almost everyone has an AirPod in underneath their hoodie. So the question rises, why are we so attached to our AirPods and do they have any effect on our ability to perform in school? When asked, Warren Shiu (11) states, “It can calm my brain and personally it helps me focus when I’m working.” Even in the comfort of our own homes, cramming for finals often also means AirPods are absolutely necessary. Among the students, the majority have explained that listening to music allows them to stay focused for longer periods of time, especially when they can associate a certain subject with a song. This association has led the student opinion that AirPods and music are the sole reason for their focus.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), music and lyrics actually have great impacts on their idea of self-identity and self-exploration. Many times musical artists serve as inspirational figures, and it can even build valuable friendships. “I’ve made so many amazing friends just because we listened to the same artist or went to the same concert,” a sophomore voices. Alongside its developmental significance, having an AirPod in can be relaxing and reduce anxiety in public spaces. Music shows direct links to human responses as confirmed by the National Library of Medicine. Stress management among adolescents has shown connections with their music intake. With at least 2.5 hours of listening each day, music has now become a key part of student life. Slower and calmer tempos can relax your mind while upbeat music is shown to greatly increase brain activity, resulting in a positive mood, therefore AirPods are the perfect device for everyday listening. Their convenience makes them all the more appealing to younger audiences who can listen to their favorite artists at any given moment. The previous hassle of dealing with wired headphones is now nonexistent, however this can raise another important question of whether or not our attention spans have lessened since the rise in popularity of AirPods.
It is a big ask for our brains to constantly have to attempt multitasking when it comes to simple things such as having a conversation. Yet, it has become the new normal to talk to someone who has an AirPod in one ear; you can never truly tell if they are genuinely listening. English teacher Mr. Pretto states, “How can you listen to your Taylor Swift song while also listening to your teacher? It’s not possible.” Many teachers feel similarly as they express their daily frustration over AirPods. Students have become so accustomed to them that it almost seems impossible to think without them. True productivity is produced when our brains are solely focused on one and one thing only. Contrary to the belief that multitasking is possible, simply splitting your attention between music and work does not actually achieve more in the end. When asked if studying without AirPods or music is more productive students’ responses varied across the board. Some expressed that it’s almost impossible and some shared that silent studying is their preferred method. “My mind wants to focus on the music if I try to work so it’s honestly counterproductive,” Jonah Zilberter (11) expresses. The brain is not equipped for multitasking; however, AirPods are a growing necessity for younger students no matter if it’s truly hurting or helping.
