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I'm not sure there's really an increase in isolation because of iPods, cell phones, etc. Think about it...How many people walking down the street would say "Hi" to you if they didn't have earbuds sticking outta their noggins? My guess is, very few. Just listening to the iPod isn't making anyone less friendly. And it seems to me that a blogs are making people MORE communicative, not less.
(By the way, I'm one of those people with earbuds stickin' outta my noggin....but if I see you on the street, Todd, I'll say "Hi.") 
Alan - I definitely see your point about before vs. after iPods. Maybe isolation is the wrong word. Perhaps it's more about awareness. Now, as opposed to before, people (more or less) were aware of their surroundings. Now people are much more insulated, and others are no more than obstacles in their way.
And blogging, while increasing communication among people who wouldn't otherwise know each other, it can cut into "face time" (I hate that term...). Anyway, meeting up with others in real life seems to be less of a priority now that we can just stay in and get online.
Maybe I haven't stated the case very well, but I'll think on it some more. And while I may sound critical of this phenomenon, I, like you, have my earbuds firmly in place!
I'm sorry...were you saying something? Sorry, I was listening to "Frou Frou."
As i think about it more, there is an element of isolation, but not necessarily for the wearer...but for the viewer. You do get a feeling, when looking at someone with their earbuds in, sunglasses on, and phone up to their ear that they wouldn't really care -- or notice -- if you fell in an open sewer grate. And I must admit I've nearly been run over by bicyclists because I didn't hear them approaching from behind (though in my defense, they shouldn't be riding on the sidewalk...)
Alan - ooh, that's a good point. I as the viewer am imposing my perception of the wearers "state" of isolation. Interesting observation.
And I agree about bikes on sidewalks. Do y'all have a problem with cars parking on sidewalks there? Here in ATL, people like to park on the sidewalk if they're going to be "just a minute." I call the police when I see it.
Anyway, thanks for the discussion. Hope you're enjoying "Frou Frou!"
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