An experiment to try with your friends and family. Turn off the car audio.

Let me add, for the sake of brevity, when I am home, and especially sleeping, the tv is on 24/7. The primary reason is, I cannot sleep in silence. The house is too quiet, I have tinnitis, and sound in my ears drives me crazy. The car seems to have enough white noise to drown it out.

If you put me in a dark room in silence, I would be mad in the matter of an hour! I have to have lights on, too. Most likely because I work at night, and am used to sleeping in the daytime.

Originally posted by wjones837
2. I'm more entertained by my thoughts

When inquiring into those who were bothered versus those who weren't... this was by far the biggest difference in what they "felt" when it was silent. Some loved being with their thoughts, others hated it. Those who hated it on average also tended to be less interested in Patriot Act, NDAA, infinitely inflating debt, etc. I honestly wasn't *expecting* that when I started taking note, but that's how it went and I don't know if it's just my circle or more broad.

reply to post by ErgoTheConclusion


I am looking at this from a perspective of motive.

A person could have asked for people to try shutting off or tuning out anything. Asked people to tune out the noise of traffic...asked to try to tune out the sound of people talking or walking in a hall...etc.

But in this case...people were asked to turn off a radio. Now I have no issue with this and I do it myself often...I was just making an observation that out of all the things a person could be asked to tune out...a method of Mass Media Entertainment was chosen for obvious reasons.

Split Infinity

Originally posted by SplitInfinity
reply to post by ErgoTheConclusion

 

I am looking at this from a perspective of motive.

A person could have asked for people to try shutting off or tuning out anything. Asked people to tune out the noise of traffic...asked to try to tune out the sound of people talking or walking in a hall...etc.

But in this case...people were asked to turn off a radio. Now I have no issue with this and I do it myself often...I was just making an observation that out of all the things a person could be asked to tune out...a method of Mass Media Entertainment was chosen for obvious reasons.

It's very easy... think about all the examples listed.

What is the clearest way to test how those around you will react to silence when they are used to radio/music? By telling them to tune out the road? How will you even know if they have? By going into their cars and turning off their radio? No of course not. Furthermore if you go back to read the OP you'll see both via the edit and original parts that I'm not specifically addressing "mass media radio"... but "audio or no audio" and have attempted to clarify that since I can see why it was easy to misunderstand originally.

In YOUR car which generally is up to YOU to decide what is playing if you so choose... "Here is a very simple experiment which has a very clear "On" and "Off" state that is unmistakable and with which you can easily observe the results."

You can tell them about it ahead of time if you like... the outcome will be the same if you are in the car long enough.

It was chosen to suggest openly to others for the specific example of "imposing silence" on people... because it is the most socially acceptable place to do so where you aren't violating their "home" and the "Yes"/"No" conditions of the experiment are unmistakable.

Though I'm not afraid to support people who cease broadcast radio and TV if they wish to. But that's a different discussion.

reply to post by ErgoTheConclusion


OK...but what is the motive of imposing silence?

Why is it that asking people to not talk or wear ear plugs in a differing environment?

The choice as far as it being a Car Radio is specific and obvious.

Split Infinity...p.s...not that I don't agree! LOL!

reply to post by SplitInfinity

Because it's to see how people react to silence and whether anyone else has a similar breakdown in *their* social circle and family as I do. Specifically regarding which people with certain interests are more comfortable "sitting with their own thoughts" and which aren't... and how that relates to the things they tend to care about and want to spend their time talking about. Is there any relationship for others? If so... interesting, if not... then it's just my group.

But I can't get feedback without 1) offering my observations... 2) offering a relatively consistent "experimental environment" to test it in so the results are even worth comparing... and 3) being open to hearing that others who take the time to try it and don't observe the same thing.

But it's only if you want to. You write a post all about people taking responsibility for themselves and not blaming the TV... Well just as when the TV suggests people do something doesn't mean they should... just because I ask others if they are willing to... doesn't mean they should. Stop blaming me the same way you don't want people to blame the TV.

Originally posted by SplitInfinity
Why is it that asking people to not talk or wear ear plugs in a differing environment?

To respond specifically to this: Because that's simply not what I have "data" for to compare against and I'm not going to ask my friends to just sit in a room in silence so I can observe them. It was my car, it was my radio, so it wasn't a big deal for them to respect it even if it bothered them just as I don't complain when they listen to stuff that makes my brain crawl when in their car.

If someone else wants to do the sort of experiment you describe that's fine, but that's an entirely different environment so I won't be able to compare it to seeing how people react to not having audio in an environment they are just outright used to having it in (versus those who don't care) and whether there is any relationship between the things they care about "in the real world".

I've noticed that in my fast car, passengers don't care about the radio. However, in my other car that's more...visually appealing w/ the sound system, they usually want to use the opportunity to hear their favorite songs played with nice speakers and bass. And yes, these "passengers" are very much aware of the state of affairs in the world but that isn't always the focus. It's extremely rare for me to hang out with air heads so this silence thing really isn't a big deal.

I wouldn't assume the passenger isn't "aware" because they wanted to listen to something, maybe they're awkward penguins (like me) and wish to relieve tension. Besides, if my friend had a nice stereo, I'd want to hear my songs too. Or, maybe they're awkward(crazy) yet again, like me, and hate being the passenger and tend to go nuts when ppl drive the exact speed limit or ten under the whole ride. In that case, the radio can be an escape, but even then, I'd never ask to hear what's on the popular pop, rap, or rock stations.

Theres a comedy station in my town, and thats the only radio i listen to. Listening to comedy radio really helps keep the urge to Rage while driving to a minimum.

Also a sunroof open or the windows down without the music/sound is also very nice.

reply to post by LightWarrior11

Trust me I wasn't assuming anything. My original assumption only really thought that "meditators" would be ok with the silence. This is based directly on the things they through the conversation make clear they are aware of and aren't. "I never even heard of that" for anything that isn't in the "pop culture" eye.

This is why I came here to see if anyone has specifically tried this and what their results were. My "gut feeling" wasn't in line with what my experience was because I really didn't think it mattered to most people. Which is why I didn't think much of it at first and it wasn't until I noticed similar "personalities" that translates into "daily interests" that there was a correlation.

So I spent the past year making consistent mental notes. Not enough to be scientific but enough to be convinced that at least in my circle, the trend is pretty strong. But since I don't know if it's just me I'm asking for others experiences.

Not what you guys *do* listen to... though I am of course enjoying hearing all of them and getting some fun stuff to listen to.

But telling me what you do listen to in the car is pretty much irrelevant to the question attempting to being asked but awkwardly phrased initially.

reply to post by ErgoTheConclusion


I am not blaming you. I am just pointing something out.

This suggestion would not have the same impact upon reading it if something other than a Car Radio had been used as an example.

Split Infinity

reply to post by SplitInfinity

Do you have an honestly better alternative given my situation as I've described it and what it is I'm asking others to share their experiences with (if they choose) so I can compare apples to apples?

That said, what would be so scary or "questionable" about suggesting people try not having mainstream radio for a while and letting me know what their experience was like... if that *had* been what the thread was about? Especially in the media forum?

It's their choice to try it or not and report back or not. So what would honestly be a legitimate complaint for that request if you aren't "blaming someone else" in the same way you dislike people "blaming TV". I also would suggest people try the awesome smoothie at the coffee shop down the street. If they don't like it they don't have to get it again, if they do... well that's alright too.

reply to post by ErgoTheConclusion


I don't think you are getting what and why I am talking about.

It was not my intention to disparage what your experiment was doing or for or what the paramenters were.

What I was trying to point out is an obvious relation that people automatically gravitate to when a Radio has been asked to be turned off.

People will automatically associate this as Radio bad...Silence Good.

This is inevitable.

Split Infinity

reply to post by SplitInfinity

But again... what honest alternative do you have for requesting more information to verify or discredit my experience in a way that is actually a legitimate comparison?

I understand what you are saying... I'm saying: Here is my subjective data. I can't do anything about it but lie, tell the truth, or ignore it. Currently my observation indicates "those comfortable with silence in the car" also *tend* to be more invested in non-pop-culture interests. Those who get agitated tend to be more interested in pop-culture interests. I'm not talking "conspiracy" theory or "mainstream" theory, mind you. Most of the silence people weren't into conspiracies per-se as far as I know.

I can't pretend like the implication isn't there regarding the difference in my social circle between who is "comfortable with silence in the car" and those who aren't and their relative interests.

So I had a choice: I could just assume it was true and go on believing it implicitly. I could reject it and just never think about it again. Or I could ask others and give them as much specific info from my experience as possible so they could offer whatever they have of their own experience.

I don't even drive, I find it annoying if the radio is on or if any radio is on. I like my silence, especially while riding passenger... It lets me think freely and relax while watching the scenery. We don't even watch media shows and whatnot, and I like it that way... I think the only news channel that is watched in this house is BBC, anything else has been labled as crud apparantly. I'm not complaining, I grew up separated by the mass media, I prefer my ignorance towards media.

I listen to sports talk radio or stuff on my phone when the mood strikes. Most of the time radio just stays off, and always have my window cracked at least a inch regardless of weather conditions, that sound is soothing to me for some reason.

My wife and i can drive hours with no radio sometimes on long trips we listen to stand up comedians. I do have some friends that literally get angry if the radio is off. All i can thinks is wow you cant sit in a car for a half hour and just talk, what kinda friendship do we really have?

reply to post by ErgoTheConclusion


I think it would be a broad assumption that has some truth to it; I have had the same experiences with people. I can't recall how many times I, or someone has brought up issues like what you mentioned, or issues of religion or other deep issues of life that every man should at least consider, and I hear the phrase "can we change the subject, I don't like talking about stuff like that if depresses me". The only sad thing is that there are those who like to avoid the inevitable.

But as far as your observations the past year, I can't say that all people who like "noise" are like that, but I don't see how one could truly think deeply about things if they always need a tv or radio in the background.

The radio, much like televisions, cell phones, the internet, and any other media, are nothing more than entertainment distractions. They were created for profitable entertainment. When they became widespread they became a detriment to society.

Not people generally have no time to think to themselves or they choose to fill in that void with a distraction. With the radio, television, and internet now readily available on the go whether you are driving, sitting at home, or even enjoying a coffee - everyone is constantly feeling the need to be distracted?

Why? My belief is that this world is so dark that if people are left alone with their thoughts they tend to get depressed. They would much rather be distracted than have to think about what is going on around them and what they might be able to do to change it.


I can agree with the OP. After working on the road for some time a few years ago, the radio was gone for me. Not only did I get fed up with the commercialism of it, but I embraced the ideas and thoughts that were allowed in my head instead of distraction. It is something that could help everyone find a little piece of themselves more often.

my 96 van has radio only..and the radio only gets 2 stations clearly CILFM (SUCKS--lastest top 40..but the kids love it)..and NPR 91.9..that's my choices other than silence..and while by myself I usually choose silence..

I had to drive around with someone in late November and December quite a few times, and she loves Christmas music. It was horrible, almost every Christmas song is so downbeat and depressing, people almost moaning the words. What should be very positive music is really, when listening to it, quite the opposite. The words are usually good, but the way they are sung and the music itself is something I can do without.

I turned mine to Classical years ago because I was tired of outright stupid songs getting stuck in my head. I don't mind something I like stuck in there but ridiculous bands created from the music machine have been turned into earworms.

I get a similar response...UGH classical what are you a grandpa? UGH isn't there anything good on, UGH what kind of music is this???

Or wow what a delightful change from that crap...