> For one, earbuds will cease to perform any social signaling whatsoever. Today, having one’s earbuds in while talking suggests that you are on a phone call, for example. Having them in while silent is a sign of inner focus—a request for privacy. That’s why bothering someone with earbuds in is such a social faux-pas: They act as a do-not-disturb sign for the body. But if AirPods or similar devices become widespread, those cues will vanish.<p>...what? Nobody's going to walk around with earbuds in if they're not actually using them for anything at the moment. The wireless part doesn't magically make having something stuck in your ears less of an impediment for normal activities.<p>This article is really grasping at straws.