Plugged In, but Tuned Out: The Evil Influence of Ear Buds Darrell Thomas

III. The Dangers and Distractions of Ear Buds:
People who have ear buds in their ears simply cannot hear danger approaching. All they hear is the pretend soundtrack of their lives. People walking with ear buds in cannot hear a dog dashing up behind them nor can they hear the footsteps of a thief or murderer sneaking up behind him or her either. People who drive their cars with ear buds plugged in their ears (an act that is considered a traffic violation in many states) cannot hear a child screaming or a horn blowing in warning. Cell phones are known to be a factor in many car accidents. I won’t even mention how distracting ear buds plugged into a cell phone can be for a student in a classroom setting! We basically have handed a device to students that invites them to not pay attention to the real world around them.

IV. Narcissism:
Beyond just being distracting and dangerous, ear buds are detrimental and damaging to society as a whole. Ear buds work against a community of listeners. Everyone is walking all over the neighborhood, plugged into their latest favorite playlist, but no one is talking to anyone. People who are addicted to their ear buds don’t care about other people. They don’t want community and contact with the real world. Ear buds also actively destroy live musicians' ability to make a living with their art form. No one wants live music anymore when they can pay less to hear it instantly and privately anytime they want. If we don’t curb our use of ear buds, all our musicians will languish and no new music will be developed.
Which detail from the selection is not part of the author's overall argument against ear buds?

A) Ear buds destroy community.
B) Ear buds can damage hearing.
C) Ear buds are far too expensive to buy.
D) Ear buds may impede student learning.