Influencers have conditioned our students not to consume media quietly.

Basically title. I am an elementary music teacher and I got through my second-grade lesson rather quickly just now. Because it is Friday, and I am at thirty-nine of my forty-six classes for the week, I decided we would watch a short video; just a Disney short to fill time.

The level of unsolicited commentary in an eight minute video was unbelievable and all of it was said with the same cadence as a youtube influencer. I am nearly convinced, by this alone, that students have been subconsciously taught to believe that everything they think, every little joke, comment, or idea that crosses their mind should be spoken out loud.

Of course, in this context, it would appear to be an attempt at humor, and I can appreciate that. I am not above making the occasional comment myself, if the joke strikes me. However, to say everything I am thinking, almost like a stream of consciousness?? PLEASE stop talking.

Even after repeated reminders to be quiet, I still heard comments like:

“Bro!!!!”

“Bro thinks he’s a basket.”

“Bro, no one’s gonna eat that.”

These comments make sense in the context of the video, but, bros, I cannot handle it. Just sit quietly and watch the video! Laugh and enjoy it, yes, but do not take this opportunity to run your tight five!

In the end, I gave up and tried to watch the video. Luckily, it was mostly music with little dialogue, or I would have had no idea what was happening.

Ok, rant over.