ANAYLSIS OVERVIEW
There is a lot to be said about the iPod and their effects on human culture and how it is changing the way in which if affects how people receive information. An anthropological analysis “involves making both interpretations and arguments” (Pandian). A large sum of information has been presented to better understand the central question: is the iPod a beneficial way for people to receive information? I intend elaborate on specific elements of data and formulate an argument to answer this question clearly.

ORGANIZING THE INFORMATION
A lot of relevant information has been presented so far and it is now time to tie it all together. In ensuring a fair and objective argument of such a subjective issue, I have attempted to present both objective sides of the question and some neutral sources. This consists of the academic essays, an anthropologist’s work, some audio and visual content, and opinionated blog findings.

Michael Bull is one the few well known contributors to the iPod anthropology academic world. Bull’s pieces, especially “No Dead Air” and “Sound Moves” sampled research on the iPod user and their thoughts, allowing us to get a sense of the reasoning behind using it. His listing of testimonies of iPod users allowed us to understand individuals like Janet who admits to liking the idea of control. Many of these people make reference to a sense of freedom with the iPod. This is a reasonable comment because it is human nature to want these things. If they claim that the iPod gives them freedom, then they must feel liberated from something in particular. Bull brings up the idea that life (society) is composed of rules that guide people. These users feel an escape from the information they are forced to consume regularly. This appears to be a healthy way to deal with such regulations because the iPod is not known to cause people to not follow the flow of life (breaking rules). These iPod users create atmospheres to receive the information in a more positive light. For example, a person walking through traffic, reading advertisements, shopping allow them to have a better experience and ignore the “bad.”

A very important argument is also the use of iPods in schools. We have seen through articles that this is becoming a more popular method for educators to communicate ideas with students. The “iPod Generation” is becoming dependent on using the device and this is an ultimatum for regain their attentions. Audio books, podcast lectures, and virtual notes have become somewhat popular in recent years. This is where it somewhat gets a bit complicated. The “same” information is being received, but the method of delivery is not. The ongoing debate entails that this negatively affects developing literary skills.

Of the online blogs, there was little to be found on positively using iPods to receive information. The most common argument found is that it creates a lack of social responsibility. There is a concern for a lack of social collaboration. This is important to consider because a society builds on its people and an exchange of ideas. People are isolating themselves from one another which could potentially slow down human progress. This could potentially include social relations between countries, the law making for the better of the people, and family life.

Most of the audio and visual material found is sarcastic humor that disapproves of this “iPod world” and what we are becoming of it as a result. The image that calls a woman a terrorist for not listening to an iPod while riding the train I found very interesting. It shows the intensity of the usage of iPods today and the social norm it has become. If most of the people use iPod and it does negatively affect our society, is there much that can be done.

CONCLUSION
Let us take a moment and examine all of the presented evidence as a whole. Like with most anthropological issues, this topic is not black and white. The iPod was designed for entertainment, but it is much more than that. The iPod is a way to escape the “world” at times. People now have the option to opt out of participating in an exchange of ideas, but at the same time they are protecting their mindsets. An iPod cannot be considered an ideal way to transmit information because it privatized. People say they want to escape a moment. Although this satisfies momentary anxiety, it does hurt the individual. The experience of life is a collection of ideas that build and shape a person. America is a democratic nation and a “melting pot” of ideas. In a society as that it can only hurt the people to not participate in every aspect. Change is a continual necessity in a society like this. Without it, there is no balance. Things remain the same and powers are keep their degree of charge. This seems a bit too much on a global scale, but most concern is for the larger picture. People admit to this even though they are listeners and that says something. Technology is necessary, but it is also a one way street in the sense you cannot reverse it.

It is hard to simply stay on a small scale when most things on the smaller scale in this case appear to be enjoyable. People are getting knowledge, entertainment, and an escape all in one device. I listen to my iPod every day and love it, but realize that there is a time and place to use it. The problem occurs when we consider not only that information wasn’t received, but that it was not given. These things must be considered to make such an analysis.

In summary we have found that the immediate and external opinions of the iPod as a medium to give information are good, but underlying threats existed. There was more concern shown when people were asked about more global effects. IPods are not a beneficial way for people to receive information because precious information is potentially lost.