Explain it like I'm 5: Why is everyone on speakerphone in public?

Since switching to a smartphone, I can't count the number of times an app or notification has engaged and prevented the proximity sensor from blocking screen input, causing my ear to tap something, disrupting the call.

I also can't hear well (or be heard) without speakerphone on regular calls because the handset speaker is small and hard to align with my ear, and the max volume generally isn't sufficient to overcome ambient noise. Related, Teams noise cancellation also suppresses my voice if there's a low rumble in the background, like air conditioning.

Using speakerphone with the volume lowered is usually the only way I can reliably make and take calls.

Is this actually a problem?

I haven't come across it and I'm skeptical of articles like this are actually writing about something that's rarely happening while asking, "Why is everyone one speakerphone in public?"

I don't doubt it happens, and I can see this happening at higher rates in certain places, but honestly: What percentage of people are doing this are actually doing this in the worst places?

If you see this happening a lot, I'd love to know more. Where are you seeing it? What percentage of peopletalking on the phone do you estimate are doing it?

I visited the US for the first time in the early 2000s, and the amount of people having their call on speaker in public was really jarring.

Here in Norway it's still quite uncommon, though back then nobody did it.

I do it all the time cause I never pay attention to the call and need to be browsing the net at the same time to kill boredom

Glad to see that Ars is reestablishing its tarnished credibility by breaking the truly important stories.

It’s absolutely infuriating. I don’t mind people talking around me but the type of painful noise a phone speaker puts out is just plain irritating. It’s completely rude and inconsiderate to be on speakerphone in public. I see it all the time on public transit and in cafes. You also often see people play videos or games (especially kids) without headphones on airplanes - although now airplanes are cracking down on that.

I think the issue is a general increase in anti-social behavior - but part of it is definitely cultural. As an example, I never see Japanese people on their speakerphones in public. Some other cultures seem more likely to view it as acceptable (or just care less about how they impact others). I’ve also noticed that elderly people are much more likely to be on speakerphones taking calls with the volume at max, so personally I think there’s an age aspect too.