As a family, eating out should be a relaxing experience, where we can enjoy good food and have meaningful conversations. However, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern when dining at popular fast-food chains like Jollibee and McDonald’s, especially during breakfast. The music in these establishments tends to start softly but gradually gets louder, often disrupting our meals and conversations. This not only affects our ability to connect as a family but also impacts the overall dining experience.
The Impact of Loud Music on Health
Loud music in public spaces, such as restaurants, can have serious effects on one’s health and well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to loud noises for prolonged periods can lead to stress, irritability, and even hearing damage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) for extended periods can damage hearing. Restaurants, particularly fast-food chains, often reach noise levels of around 80-90 dB, which is comparable to the sound of city traffic .
A 2019 study published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America also found that loud music can make it difficult for people to hold conversations, leading to frustration and strained communication. This is especially detrimental when families are trying to bond over a meal.
For families, especially those with children, this environment can be stressful. Kids may become agitated or distracted, making it hard for everyone to enjoy the meal. Furthermore, for adults, constantly raising their voices to communicate can increase feelings of stress, making the dining experience far from peaceful.
Loud Music as a Marketing Technique
Interestingly, some businesses may be using loud music as a strategic method to turn tables faster. The idea behind this tactic is that the louder the environment becomes, the more uncomfortable customers feel, encouraging them to finish their meals quickly and leave, making room for the next batch of diners. This technique, however, can backfire.
For customers, this feels unfair. We pay for our food, and in return, we expect to have a pleasant dining experience where we can enjoy our meals and each other’s company without feeling rushed or irritated. According to Psychology Today, loud music can increase arousal and drive faster eating, but it also creates a sense of urgency that leads to a decrease in overall enjoyment . As paying customers, we deserve to feel comfortable and unhurried, especially in family-friendly establishments like Jollibee and McDonald’s.
The Local Perspective
In the Philippines, dining out is often seen as a bonding experience, especially for families. Fast-food restaurants are not just places to grab a quick bite but are social hubs where families and friends gather. In a culture that values togetherness, having an environment where loud music disrupts communication seems counterproductive.
Local dining experiences should foster community and connection, not rush people through their meals. The expectation is that dining establishments, especially those catering to families, should respect their customers’ time and provide a pleasant atmosphere conducive to conversation.
A recent report by ABS-CBN News touched on the growing complaints about noise pollution in public spaces, with fast-food restaurants being one of the common culprits. It is crucial for these establishments to balance creating a lively ambiance with ensuring customer comfort .
While the idea of playing loud music to encourage quick dining may have some merit from a business standpoint, it ultimately takes away from the family dining experience. For Filipino families who cherish their time together, dining should be a relaxing and enjoyable moment, free from unnecessary distractions like blaring music.
Restaurants, particularly those as popular as Jollibee and McDonald’s, should reconsider this practice. They have a responsibility to their customers to provide a pleasant and comfortable environment where families can eat, talk, and connect without being disrupted by overwhelming noise.
As customers, it’s within our right to speak up and voice our concerns to management when we find the dining experience uncomfortable. After all, we’re paying for more than just food; we’re paying for the experience, and that should include a peaceful time spent with loved ones.
