Do personal music players such as MP3s isolate their users and hamper social interaction? Should such devices be set aside in some situations to promote social interaction and even safety?

Discussion essay

Many teens and young adults have personal music players, such as MP3s, that allow them to take their favorite music with them wherever they go. Such devices require earbuds, and users can often be seen with at least one earbud firmly in place, listening to music as they go about their daily business. Some critics of these music players, however, argue that users tend to be isolated in the world of their music. Users, these critics say, do not really pay attention to what is going on around them; and they behave rudely when they carry on conversations with others while wearing at least one earbud.

Assignment: Do personal music players such as MP3s isolate their users and hamper social interaction? Should such devices be set aside in some situations to promote social interaction and even safety? Plan and write a response in which you state your position and persuade readers to agree with you. Support your opinions with reasons and examples.
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