For certain individuals, podcasts provide constant companionship. But is this habit of consuming audio content around the clock seen as rude or necessary for our neurological well-being? On August 28, 2023, Kyra Pellant from Los Angeles described her aversion to silence and how she incorporates podcasts into every aspect of her life. From her morning routine to her commute, work, cooking, and even when she’s falling asleep, Pellant always has a podcast playing. She explained that the voices on these shows help her stay focused and fulfill her social needs, especially since the pandemic has reduced her interactions with others.
Pellant’s love for podcasts places her in a unique group of media consumers who are constantly tuned in. While many of us may turn on the TV or open social media to distract or calm ourselves, some people take it a step further by using background media like podcasts, YouTube, or TikTok to keep their minds engaged or manage their emotions throughout the day. In the midst of a national loneliness crisis, podcasts act as a substitute for casual conversations with friends or at least provide a sense of companionship.
This phenomenon of consuming media all day long is not new. We all probably know someone who consistently keeps the TV or radio on as background noise. However, with advancements in technology such as discreet earbuds and a never-ending supply of audio and video content, it has become easier to carry this background noise with us wherever we go. While outsiders may view this as a rude or confusing habit, those who engage in continuous listening see it as a blessing for focus or a remedy for social isolation.
The practice of constantly listening to audio helps some people stay on task, while for others, the distraction is the whole point. Praise Tolbert, a full-time mom in Florida, revealed how she uses podcasts as a way to combat intrusive thoughts caused by her bipolar disorder. She keeps one AirPod in her ear throughout the day, whether she’s eating, taking care of her son, or spending time with a group. She specifically listens to a podcast called “The Judgies,” where three friends share scandalous stories sourced from fans or Reddit. At night, she plays the podcast out loud to help her sleep. While the content of the podcast itself may not be therapeutic, the sound of the hosts’ cheerful chatter provides comfort and grounding when Tolbert’s thoughts become overwhelming.
The hosts of “The Judgies” often hear from listeners who feel a sense of companionship and less loneliness through their podcast. They interact with their audience on various platforms and notice that people view them not just as creators but as friends. However, they do acknowledge the challenges of navigating parasocial relationships, where followers feel a deep connection with content creators, leading to occasional uncomfortable situations when listeners seek personal advice.
The impact of background noise on focus varies from person to person due to the functioning of our individual brains. Neuroscientist Sahar Yousef explains that some individuals require additional stimulation to stay engaged, while others may find too much stimulation overwhelming. Our brains need an optimal level of arousal to concentrate effectively. Boring or repetitive tasks may fail to provide enough stimulation, leading to distractions or feelings of disinterest. Individuals with ADHD or similar cognitive differences often struggle with maintaining focus, and background noise, such as podcasts, allows them to have something to pay attention to while performing mundane tasks.
Different sources of background noise offer varying levels of stimulation. Listening to a podcast requires more cognitive effort compared to listening to music, while watching a new TV show demands more concentration than re-watching a familiar favorite. Therapist Lindsay Fleming suggests that individuals experiment with different sources of noise to find what works best for them. However, adding background noise to homework or classwork can be a contentious topic for parents and teachers. Some parents may struggle with accepting accommodations for their children with ADHD, especially if they had to hide their own cognitive differences growing up. Fleming emphasizes the importance of understanding each individual’s needs and making accommodations accordingly.
The same strategies that work for children with ADHD also apply to adults, including the numerous individuals who may have undiagnosed cognitive differences. Christina Crowe, a therapist working with adults with ADHD, draws a comparison to the popularity of wearing earbuds in a noisy work environment to create a personal space that promotes focus.
While consuming background noise from podcasts and shows can help individuals concentrate, manage their emotions, and alleviate feelings of loneliness, there is concern about the potential negative effects of prolonged listening. The association between digital media consumption and shortened attention spans or poor mental health is difficult to evaluate in studies. Neuroscientist Sahar Yousef explains that it’s challenging to establish causal links between digital media and attention because of the restrictions and long periods required for research. Hence, scientists often rely on educated guesses. Some studies find background noise beneficial for focus and performance, while others suggest the opposite. The lack of consensus is due to the diversity of tasks and individuals’ brain functioning.
Ultimately, what matters is that individuals take the time to understand what works best for their own focus and well-being. Whether it’s the constant companionship of podcasts or the need for occasional silence, each person’s brain and cognitive preferences are unique. It’s essential to embrace these differences and find methods that enable us to be productive and fulfilled in our own ways.
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