People Play Loud Music and Litter at Popular Outdoor Hangout Spot in New Zealand, Fellow Kiwis Are Seething

Just look at the number of tramping gadgets that rely on (or solely exist because of) the technology.

Any of the following is likely present in a modern tramping bag: Smartphone (which probably has your Topo map loaded onto it), rechargeable head torch, beacon, satellite messenger, GPS, watch, camera. Plus a battery pack to keep all of those topped up, and a solar charger to recharge the battery itself. *Phew*

These gadgets have significantly improved our experience outdoors and all of it is owing to advancements in battery tech. Alas, as these things always go, the double-edged sword is that this same technology has also given rise to the greatest abomination of the outdoors: The UE BOOM.

Redditor u/neeeeonbelly recently took to the r/newzealand subreddit to express frustrations about their experience during a visit to the scenic Kitekite Falls in West Auckland near Piha. During their visit, there were multiple groups using the bluetooth speakers.

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Their experience is one that occurs with astounding frequency when you journey to an outdoor destination. The raucous reverberation of reggae, pop, and EDM is audible at an increasing rate outdoors. A good number of us can share anecdotal evidence to the fact that a growing number of people would rather listen to a banging club tune than the cascading melodies of rushing waves, gurgling brooks, and falling water… Even if being beside each relevant water feature was the entire expressed point of the journey they have undertaken.

I'll confess that any discussion on the topic reeks like the rantings of a curmudgeonous crank. Still, it is a hill on which we need to make a stand.

There must be some kind of expressed etiquette that we can agree to follow. If you must enjoy the pipings of Dua Lipa while sitting next to a waterfall, go right ahead. As long as you are entirely alone and certain of that fact. Should someone else subsequently arrive at the spot, the music should be immediately switched off so that the new arrival can enjoy the peace as it was before you arrived.

It boggles the mind how oblivious people can be to the way that their actions affect others. The incessant need that some people have to fill 'the void' of silence and keep that dopamine pumping. For some this need overrides any decent common sense that they might have otherwise followed.

I understand that need. I myself listen to music constantly at home while I write, work, cook, clean. The constant stream of sustained stimulation that it provides is essential for me to efficiently navigate those tasks. I'm even listening to the rhythmic bass of a Tech House track now as I hammer on the keys.

But, as I often am when I work, I'm isolated and in my own space. My own world. I listen for my own enjoyment. I don't expect others to vibe with my taste or think that I am "incredible" for my awesome taste in tunes.

When I am around others I am entirely too self-conscious of disturbing their experience. I would find it hard to even consider doing something like breaking out my UE BOOM.

I, like so many others, go to those outdoor spaces to get away from the constant stimulation of my work and to break away from the 'dopamine stream'. I don't need or want to be in an elevated state when I'm soaking up the sun on the beach or taking a break in the bush.

Other kiwi Redditors voiced their frustration and outrage at the deafening din that u/neeeeonbelly experienced. They were quick the share their own experiences. 

Read on and, please, the next time you and the crew decide to hit the outdoors; Leave the speaker at home. Take a rest from the constant need for sustained stimulation and enjoy the melody that is the relative silence of the sounds of the world around us.

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Some think maybe people are just oblivious. 

Since when were the Vengaboys cool anyways?

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Others seem to think that people are just prone to antisocial behaviour. 

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