Objects of Desire
Page 3 of 8
1979, Sony Walkman
“It has simplicity of use,” says Logan. “You could give it to someone who’s never used one before and they can use it. You can only get that with reduction of features.” Though the early Walkman had two headphone jacks to let users share their audio experiences with friends, the device was a good way to annoy your parents by being present but absent, says Rolston. “The social phenomenon of people walking around immersed in their own private world was kicked off by the Walkman. I remember the response when you put on your headphones. Your parents would look at you like you killed someone.”
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