As I was watching Serena Williams and Sloane Stephens enter Arthur Ashe Stadium in the US Open on CBS, I noticed that both of them were hearing headphones (Both wearing Beats, headphones and earphones respectively). While I understand being in your own little world and focused on the match, there is an experience that is being missed. Miss Williams entered the court with her headphones around her neck while the young 20 year old Miss Stephens walked onto the court with her headphones in. While Stephens probably will have many more opportunities to walk onto the main stage of Grand Stams in her tennis future, she should savor these moments because it could be her last chance. She's not alone though, tons of the athletes wear headphones forgoing the entire atmosphere and experience.
Wearing headphones has become something that seems to have no limits. I admit that in my high school years and some of college, I had headphones on constantly (including restaurants). The past few years I've observed that headphone behavior, that I once had, has become normal. I see children wearing their individual headphones walking as a group (often with their family presumingly to avoid conversation) and even people driving alone wearing them (this is also extremely dangerous). And with wireless headphones, it's even easier to go anywhere with them on (including the ever more productive, bathroom).
With all that said, I think it may be time for headphones or speaker system for the living room. Any recommendations? (I will not consider Skullcandy headphones)