I had planned to discuss the pros and cons of Bluetooth headsets, but I knew someone must have beaten me to the punch. When googling “Bluetooth headsets suck,” I got 196k matches. Now, I have a headset, so I need to guard against self-serving bias here. Anyway, there are a couple pros, but like a lot of technology, e.g., cars, email, cell phones, I think the headset gets misused.
Pros
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Safety. When driving, hands-free is a must for safety. I have only tried to talk on my phone (without a headset) once or twice, and I am amazed that I did not get into an accident. The new hazard on the road is not the reckless speeder who cuts you off; it’s the distracted driver. So, Bluetooth headsets are great if you need to talk while driving. Just don’t hit me while you’re dialing.
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More safety. I don’t like the idea of holding the cell phone so close to my head for more than a few minutes at a time. I have no landline, and the headset allows me to feel comfortable during longer conversations.
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Convenience. They are convenient for keeping your hands free in everyday situations, no doubt. But, this is where the abuse begins.
If I am wearing my headset when alone, that’s okay. If I am wearing it in the company of strangers, that’s fine too. Annoying sometimes, but okay. Take this for example. If strangers on bluetooths bother you especially, here are some strategies to address the issue. I am a pacifist, so #2 is my favorite, followed closely by #4.
The most abusive use of this technology is when a person wears the headset in the company of someone with whom he or she is having a live conversation. The headset becomes a little eff-you to the other person. The bluetoother might as well just say what they mean, and that is, “I know we are talking right now, but as soon as this thing in my head goes off, I will cut our conversation off on the gamble that whoever is calling is more important than you.” They send the signal that they are just waiting to ignore the other person and escape their conversation.
Finally, the idea of a Bluetooth headset as a status symbol is ridiculous. That’s like the fast-food worker who gets to work drive-thru strutting their headset around as if it sets them above the other staff. The person who takes pride in their headset, wearing it constantly, has the idea of status backwards. That’s not a jewel in your crown. It’s a ring in your nose.
