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At the movies last night there was an iPod-ed husband in line with his wife, wires hanging from the sides of his head, ear plugs firmly in place. I saw them walking up to get into the ticket purchasing line; he was not talking to his wife. I saw him inside in the entry line; still not talking to his wife. Then again, walking to the movie; not talking. And in all of this, I did not even see any eye contact. They both looked sad to me.

What is all this MP3, ear-phones in the ears, cocooned into our own little worlds, doing to us? And the bigger question, what will it do to change how we interact with each other in the future as more and more people walk around plugged in and inward? Is it going to change how we socialize?

Right now, when I’m out and about, I love to “flirt” with people. With the check-out lady, little kids in lines, old people. It doesn’t matter. I’m out there to enjoy life, have fun, and in the process, enjoy the challenge of putting smiles on as many people’s faces as I can. When I do that, I’m exhilerated and the high is habit forming.

Can You Flirt With Someone Who Is Wired?

As more and more people walk around hooked up to their MP3 players, will I still be able to flirt? And what about people who are trying to meet that special someone? How can she ask him, “Is my melon ripe?” if he’s wired up and insulated against the world?

I’m concerned. Are you?

Kara