Would you pay 160 dollars for a floss box? Only if it was made by Apple. Wilcox senior Tina Le points out that airpods are a better money investment than a prospective buyer might think: “Costco has it twenty dollars off. I feel great about buying a 140 dollar floss box.”
Apple revolutionized technology a decade ago, and they might have done it once again. Airpods are the newest in their audio line, featuring a responsive and classy bluetooth earbud that any person can purchase, given that they have the funds. It possesses special features that no other pair of earbuds has, like activating Siri with a double tap, controlling phone calls, and signifying to people walking around you that you are more than a broke nobody. On the topic of the Apple Airpods’ special qualities, an anonymous airpods user from Wilcox remarked, “Of course they make you feel superior. That’s one of the main reasons I bought them.” Though he would like to remain anonymous, he pointed out that he bought his pair before the peak of their popularity, making him one of the numbered elite among airpod users themselves.
Airpod users across the internet have created a new culture of superiority over the “broke” masses. Statements of unity under a subreddit dedicated to the product have left normal earbud users surprised and offended. An air of elite exclusivity seems to radiate from the very nature of the product itself. The most alarming effects of these movements is that their results can be seen in our local community. The ideologies of airpod users culminated in the promotion of an elite “airpods meetup” in front of the Science Lecture Hall at Wilcox in February.
Wired earbuds groups feel threatened by the new generation of Airpods users. They say that their lack of possession of airpods does not make them broke. Instead, they claim that airpods users are “truly broke” because they cannot afford wires.
Other AirPod users, however, cite reasons other than a feeling of superiority as deciding factors to purchase the earbuds. Quentin Berbessou, also a Wilcox senior, bought them to use during his workouts. “The best part is not having a wire.” Le seems to agree with the idea that the main point of buying AirPods is the presence of bluetooth connectivity. “I hate wires on earbuds getting caught on door handles. Though they charge slowly, and I hate charging them, it is better than having wires.”
However, some users felt confused when they decided to buy AirPods, which are typically more expensive than other, non-discreet bluetooth earbuds. Le reflects on her experience purchasing her pair, recognizing the downside of purchasing these premium bluetooth earbuds. “It’s cuz’ I’m basic I got them. I feel self-conscious and cringey when I wear them. Anybody who buys AirPods fell into the Apple trap, including me.”
Moderate, non-radical owners, like Le and Berbessou, don’t agree with the growing air of superiority surrounding the product. They bought AirPods for their functionality. Berbessou very bluntly stated, “No, I don’t feel superior.” Le recommends prospective buyers who are looking to purchase AirPods for status to save their cash. “I don’t think people should buy AirPods. People who don’t have them are better off. The community is a cult of idiots.”
More radical AirPods users, like the student who chose to remain anonymous, strongly believe in the ability of AirPods to make the user superior to others. When asked about non-AirPods users, he simply replied, “yea, I can’t hear them. They’re too broke.”
The rage over AirPods is dying down, but the split in ideologies about the product is wider than ever. A piece of technology resembling nothing but a rounded floss box inflates egos and breeds controversies. Next time you walk into class and make eye contact with that kid who wears AirPods, be aware that what he is thinking about you may be very different from what you are thinking about him.