Michael Bloomberg Launches Social Media Campaign Against Earbud Headphones

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has launched a massive social media campaign targeting the use of earbud headphones.

The $250,000 undertaking is meant to warn audio listeners about the dangerous associated with loud music and earbud use.

Bloomberg’s office will use social media and “focus groups” to help raise awareness about earbud use among young adults and teens.

Nancy Clark, assistant commissioner of environmental-disease prevention says of the campaign:

“With public and private support, a public-education campaign is being developed to raise awareness about safe use of personal music players . . . and risks of loud and long listening.”

This is not the first public policy issue we have seen Michael Bloomberg take on, he recently went to battle over soda’s larger than 16 ounches and he fought to remove trans fat from restaurant menus.

The campaign hasn’t even started yet and already Twitter users are chiming in:

Now he’s coming for your music. RT @gothamist: Old Man Bloomberg Launches Campaign Against Loud Earbuds gothamist.com/2013/03/06/blo…

— Terry Corcoran (@CorcoranNYC) March 6, 2013

What a controlling douche RT @djmisterdiorLMAO Bloomberg is cracking down on people listening to loud music on their earbuds…this guy man

— Susana Crespo (@SusiMJK) March 6, 2013

Hey Hey! Nanny Bloomberg is using YOUR tax dollars to study the effects of earbuds! NYers don’t have the ability to self police music levels

— Firefighter780 (@Firemdc780) March 6, 2013

There does seem to be some confusion over the plan at this time as Twitter users appear to believe that Mayor Bloomberg is attempting to ban the earbud headphones. In reality the campaign is meant to raise awareness about the very real possibility of hearing loss.

In a statement regarding the new program the New York City Health Department writes:

The Health Department is aiming to better inform and educate New Yorkers about ways to protect hearing from exposure to loud sounds. With public and private support, a public education campaign is being developed to raise awareness about safe use of personal music players and risks of loud and long listening.”

Do you think earbud use is a worthy area of concern for Bloomberg’s office to educate its citizens?