I have smoked cigarettes in my life and I own an IPOD. I have come to understand how an IPOD shares the same addictive qualities as cigarettes. A few times when I am out with friends, someone will smoke a cigarette, and I may share it with him, but this is extremely rare, normally the result of too many drinks that interfere with a clear sense of judgment. At first glance it is easy to notice the similarities in these two objects. IPODs are small and fit perfectly into your pocket, just like a pack of cigarettes. They come in different varieties such as the slim officially known as the Shuffle model, the lights marketed as the recently released Nano model and unfiltered or more commonly known as any of the older models previously released that people use on a daily basis just as a smoker has a loyalty to a brand of cigarettes. I cannot count the hundreds of times I have seen people pull out their IPOD as they leave the office or classroom, and light up their screen to find the soothing release of song. Is it good to surround yourself in music just as someone would constantly smoke a cigarette? No, but one benefit of smoking is that a majority of employers allow people 15 minutes twice a day to enjoy a cigarette. If you are lucky and go at a regular time, eventually you will strike up a conversation with a fellow smoker, and a friendship may develop from if nothing else, a common love of the smoke. IPOD addicts however, will never be giving the opportunity to break away to enjoy the packs of music. We will never form a connection with a fellow addict because by choosing to wear the signature white earphones, we have cut off any chance of interaction. When I am walking around on the weekends without my IPOD, I wonder if I am feeling the same cravings a smoker feels when the urge to have a cigarettes strikes them. I miss that urge to surround myself with the music of my choice and drown out the world around me, from boisterous teenagers to lost tourists seeking directions. Just as people avoid speaking to people that smoke, people feel more comfortable speaking with strangers reading than those with listening to their IPOD. Just as cigarettes were viewed as a signal of sophistication, glamour, and celebrity when they were first introduced, the IPOD in someway experienced the same viewpoint upon its first introduction. Although, they share a myriad of the same characteristics, an IPOD addict will never have to worry about the same health concerns as someone who smokes cigarettes. While the future for the IPOD is uncertain, as it is ever evolving technology and there may come a time when it will be replaced by the next best gadget, but for now I am fine enjoying endless hours of musical release with my little pack of music.

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lemontwist says:

I love this post. We need to lobby to get 15 minute iPod work breaks. :)

Posted over 2 years ago | Delete

Anonymous says:

Great post. A fun read. I need an Ipod to replace my smoking habit :(

Posted over 2 years ago | Delete

ScheisseMinelli says:

thats a really interesting take on that relationship. and this is probably why i wont own an ipod anytime soon. im already way too addicted to cigs to have to cope with another addiction

Posted over 2 years ago | Delete