Social media, particularly short form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram are making society increasingly rude, not just in the comment sections, but in public as well.

Over the years, it’s become more and more common for people to watch these platforms, in public, with the volume up, forcing their entertainment into your ears.

It’s rude, stop it.

There has never been a time when it was OK to play your media loudly in public such that others have to participate in it. Before, this was mostly limited to music - car stereos primarily - but now, it’s spread like wildfire to other forms of media, from movies, to TV shows, to endless 60 second videos pumped into the feeds of social platforms.

I’m begging you - if you watch these platforms regularly, please do everyone else around you a favor and put it on mute, or put headphones on. You’re ruining your own reputation as someone who cares about others, and it comes across as incredibly self-centered.

Please stop doing this. Please.