Monday, May 4, 2009
Playing music loudly
Externality is the external benefit or cost to people around the primary consumer arising from an activity, in this case playing music loudly. Is it boon or bane?
Benefit/ Boon
Your neighbor on one side could be your contemporaries and enjoy the same music genres as you; hence they will appreciate and enjoy the music that you play. They would not have to switch on their radio nor tap on any electrical source to get the music. For these people, they are getting what we call a “free lunch”. Another place where loud music may have a positive externality is the park. When you go to the park and play some music to accompany your exercise regime, people in the park who are also exercising would also be able to benefit from it.
Cost/ Bane
Your neighbor on the other side may require some peace and quiet to take an afternoon nap, to revise for an exam, or to watch television etc. Alternatively, they may prefer soothing music such as baroque over heavy metal. Loud music contributes to noise pollution. It affects the serenity of the environment, posing problems to people around its source. In places like the library, patrons are encouraged to preserve silence so as not to disturb others. Getai cannot play loud music after 11 pm. Hearing loud music over a prolonged hearing can result in negative effects such as loss of hearing to the user and others. Some commuters on public transports tend to turn the volume of their mp3 players to the maximum such that it is audible to passengers around them, which can be a nuisance and irritant.
Bryan WWZ T01
Labels: externality
We Loved9:22 PM
April 2008