Imagine sitting at the airport, distracted by someone conducting an entire phone conversation on speakerphone. We’ve all experienced this, whether it’s while walking through the grocery store or commuting on the subway. It’s an all-too-frequent occurrence, and one I simply can’t comprehend.

No one enjoys being forced to listen to a loud phone conversation invading their personal space, especially when it’s happening via speakerphone. Recently, I had to endure a middle-aged blonde woman recounting her entire life story, weekend plans, and family drama during my relaxation time at the airport before a flight.

When did people stop using headphones or earbuds in public places? Where did basic manners go?

Social Cues and Doomscrolling

While this issue isn’t new, it seems to be worsening. Why are individuals opting to engage in loud conversations outdoors, play TikTok videos at full volume without headphones, and disregard those around them?

Social cues—nonverbal signals like body language and facial expressions—used to be effective, but not anymore. I certainly gave a few disapproving looks to the woman at the airport, but she was too engrossed in scrolling through social media and doomscrolling (while simultaneously holding an hour-long speakerphone conversation) to notice. I doubt she caught my hints, or perhaps she didn’t care.

Related: What Is Doomscrolling?

Enough is enough.

PostsAre too many people glued to their screens, oblivious to their surroundings and societal norms? Or have these unspoken rules vanished entirely? I’m unsure, but I’m not a fan. Don’t even get me started on the FaceTime call I overheard at the table behind me in a restaurant.

Similar to those who crank their music at parks or on hikes, sound invades personal space just as much as a person’s physical presence does. Smartphones are incredible tools, but with everything accessible at your fingertips, it’s easy to lose yourself in the device and neglect the world around you. Some people become so absorbed in the content that they don’t consider others.

Perhaps speakerphone conversations irk me because they feel deliberate. You could easily conduct that conversation using the phone’s internal speaker, headphones, or earbuds. Given how inexpensive decent earbuds are today, my frustration grows with each incident.

Get Some Earbuds or Headphones

Let me clarify: I’ve watched videos at low volumes in public, but never loud enough to disturb others. While I’m not certain how to address people ignoring unwritten societal norms, there’s an affordable fix.

Most phones no longer include wired headphones in the box, but I’m confident many people still have some lying around. Even so, many modern phones lack a 3.5mm headphone jack, making those older headphones unusable. Still, that’s no justification.

Nowadays, you can find fantastic wireless earbuds for the cost of a couple of Starbucks drinks. For instance, you can frequently purchase the Anker P20i true wireless earbuds for approximately $19.99. If superior sound quality is your priority, numerous top-tier options exist from popular brands.

Related: The Best Wireless Earbuds of 2025

The finest wireless earbuds deliver exceptional audio, noise cancellation, comfort, and extended battery life.

PostsThe best headphones and earbuds vary in design, size, color, and price, which makes it all the more infuriating when people insist on speaking loudly on speakerphone. Use the phone’s built-in speaker or invest in earbuds.

Unfortunately, earbuds solve only part of the issue, as people will likely keep engaging in lengthy, noisy conversations in public areas. At least this way, you won’t have to listen to both sides of the conversation. Considering this trend shows no signs of abating, you might need to take action. No, I’m not suggesting confronting individuals in public (though I’ve done that), but rather investing in noise-canceling headphones to enjoy your own media without interruptions.

I already bring ANC headphones on flights to block out the plane’s hum, but nowadays, I wear them earlier to mute the noise from those who lack etiquette.

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And yes, I realize I may sound like an old curmudgeon griping about “kids these days,” but adults are guilty too. To sum up, I wish people were more conscious of their noise levels, public conversations, and awareness of their environment. If you must engage in a prolonged discussion and prefer not to hold your phone for the duration, at least use earbuds or headphones.

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