are ipods detrimental to socialization?

I don't really think ipods are harmful to society. Objects in themselves cannot be harmful to society, it's how their used that could harm society (though there could be some exceptions to that rule). Ipods, like all other things in life, have their positives and negatives. We all know the negatives. People tend to like to listen to their ipods and withdraw from society and not interact as much as they could, essentially distancing themselves from aspects of life that they don't like. It can also be seen as rude when listening to an ipod in certain situations, but some people don't seem to care. On the other hand, I very much enjoy listening to my ipod while I'm exercising, doing homework, playing on the computer, etc. It keeps me entertained and, no, it isn't harming anyone for me to do so.