Headphones drive me nuts. Especially in public. How is a person supposed to be aware of their surroundings by attenuating a valuable sense? Sorry CG go back to your regular programming.
I like them when I am at home or in a safe place because I can't filter sounds. Every sound that comes in my head is the same volume, and they all fight for valuable brain processing power. Having head(or ear)phones lets the brain concentrate on
just the music, and not have to process any other sounds. It really gives the brain a much needed break sometimes.
I will use them when I go running, but keep the volume low so I can hear what's going on around me. Also when I am walking around downtown, I'll have them in but not on so assholes don't ask me for money.