Portable Media Players As Delightful
Suppose its your birthday tomorrow. What would you ask your parents to get you as a birthday present? Most probably a portable media player, that is, if you do not already have one. But, what if they say "Don't be silly, you have no use for one. Besides, you already own a Discman."? Don't worry, you will always have this page to fall back. It will aid you in explaining to your parents how owning one can be convenient, intelligent, healthy and also an avenue to creating personal space.
"Choice is the key factor. By choosing the music, you reclaim some of the world - it's no longer dominated by messages pointed at you."
- Dr Michael Bull
On Convenience...
Media lovers can listen to music, view photos collection, watch video clips wherever and whenever they want. Small and compact, they no longer have to carry bulky devices anymore. While some still prefer Walkmans and CD players, media players can store many more songs, pictures and videos and also allow for playlists which are not possible in any other music device. If you are involved in media, you would have a good reason to use them as they have the ability to record very long conversations such as when journalists take interviews. Additionally, it encompasses options to share files (though not encouraged), so you can transfer your songs to your friend's mp3 player! Plus, if your disk space is full or should your tastes and preferences change, you can even remove the songs from your device by syncing them with your personal computer.
On Personal Space...
Most people use media players on a regular basis to keep them occupied while commuting. As most public transports are becoming increasingly bombarded with advertisements, society needs to turn to media for a form of visual distraction from loud posters, clothing designs or even magazine and newspaper cover headlines. Hence, engaging in the realm of media allows them some personal space in the public sphere and control over their environment.
This also serves as assistance for women in particular who are able to repel unwelcomed attention they sometimes received in public spaces. Simply by putting on a pair of earphones, they can feign unaware and avoid reacting by appearing to be engrossed in their music. In the same way, they can observe the behaviors of others (which could be quite interesting) without giving them the impression that you are looking.
Else, it would also allow you some personal time to engage with your own thoughts - to plan your schedule for the day or to reflect at the end of a day. As another plus point, taking off your earphones in a conversation could convey the mental message of your interest in the subject matter and respect for the speaker.
On the Mind...
Music can be therapeutic, slow beats bring one into a relaxed state and reduces stress levels which can be refreshing for your mind and soul by maintaining high levels of optimism. Moreover, the prevention of chronic stress also promotes health benefits which is why most people not only listen to music while commuting but also for studying, working and even when exercising. Hence, having a mp3 players would be useful in situations whereby you require a calm state of mind, perhaps when preparing for an important interview.
In fact, research has shown that music has positive effects on the brain (think Mozart the Child Prodigy). Strong beats of music can stimulate brainwaves causing focussed concentration and more vigilant thinking. Such activity of the brain continues even when you stop listening and encourages creativity. Such effects can be advantageous before a test, putting you into a calm mood yet simultaneously invigorate your brain.
On Physical Health...
Music therapy is becoming an emergent line of work in health care where it has been found to be beneficial to children with ADDAttention Deficit Disorder - a condition characterized by impatience, implusiveness, restlessness and short attention spans., cancer patients, the high blood pressured and others who have undergone it. Even hospitals are exploiting music to help with pain management, and to calm patients or release muscle tensions by helping them to relax, proving that music is indeed influential to both your mind and body and an increasingly imperative tool in keeping healthy. Additionally, regular listeners have been found to be more eneregtic and active than those who do not.
Acknowledgements:
1. Mark Ward on why iPods are more than just a pretty face. (14th March 2009)
2. Krystle Songs tells why iPods are our friends. (14th March 2009)
3. Elizabeth Scott's article on music therapy. (14th March 2009)
4. Tara Maroney on music raises your IQ. (14th March 2009)
5. ss19ss82 on Hidden Benefits of Music. (14th March 2009)