Entitled Teenager Thinks He Can Practice Playing His Electronic Drums At 4 In The Morning Because It Isn't Loud, His Neighbor And An Online Community Think Otherwise

Are electronic drums noisy? They certainly aren't as loud as acoustic drums.

But if you can hear sounds through your walls, chances are your neighbor can hear noises from your side too. So it's very likely they can hear you playing your electronic drums — it's probably a tapping sound, though.

Electronic drums use sensors and electronic components to generate sound, which can then be listened to through headphones. This means that you can enjoy playing the drums without disturbing your neighbors or anyone else around you.

However, even if they aren't as loud as your regular drum set, that doesn't mean you can practice during hours when everyone else is asleep. Don't be like this drum player who thinks that it's totally fine to practice at 4 a.m.

On an "Am I The A**hole?" (AITA) subreddit post, a 19-year-old guy asked the community if he was the a-hole for playing his electronic drums early in the morning. The original poster's (OP's) neighbor complained about the noise and threatened to call the police if he continued doing so.

The OP also adds that the woman has COVID, so she shouldn't have walked into his home to curse and yell at him. He insists that his drums are quiet and that the sounds weren't supposed to reach the neighbor's ears.

The OP shared about his neighbor's problem with him playing his electronic drums early in the morning.

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The OP tells the community that nobody has been complaining about his drum playing up to this point.

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His neighbor complained by walking into his house, cursing and yelling at him. She has COVID.

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Understanding Entitlement in Teenagers

Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a developmental psychologist at Stanford University, explains that entitlement behavior often stems from a lack of understanding of social norms and boundaries.

Her research indicates that adolescents are still developing the ability to empathize with others, which can lead to behaviors that seem self-centered or inconsiderate.

This period of brain development is crucial for learning social cues and understanding the impact of one’s actions on others.

Four in the morning is already late, the OP says.

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The community is on the neighbor's side. One user attests that even electronic drums can get loud too.

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The concept of egocentrism in adolescence is well-documented in psychological literature. As noted by Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, "Adolescents often find it challenging to view situations from perspectives other than their own, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts." This phenomenon can manifest in behaviors like the one described. Encouraging perspective-taking exercises can help adolescents develop empathy and improve their social interactions, as emphasized by Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, who states, "Empathy is a crucial skill that can be nurtured through guided practice and open dialogue."

The tapping sounds can travel through walls and disturb any sleeping neighbor.

Even if it doesn't produce the same loudness as a regular drum set, the noise can still be disturbing, especially in the morning.

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The OP needs to apologize too. It's his fault that his neighbor can't get enough sleep.

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Redditor thinks that the question makes no sense. Common sense would tell anyone that playing at 4 AM can be disturbing for most people.

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The Importance of Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries is essential for fostering healthy relationships, especially among teenagers. Research indicates that when boundaries are established, teens learn to respect the needs and feelings of others.

Parents and educators should model this behavior and provide guidance on how to navigate social expectations effectively, helping adolescents understand the consequences of their actions.

He can check his city's or neighborhood's ordinances, but he can always refer to his common sense.

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Why does he keep insisting that his neighbor isn't supposed to hear them? She complains because she gets disturbed in her sleep, hearing the taps early in the morning.

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The timing is off

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Moreover, fostering open discussions about respect and consideration can promote a more empathetic environment. Studies show that when teens engage in conversations about the importance of mutual respect, it can significantly alter their behavior and improve peer relationships.

Workshops or group discussions can provide a platform for this kind of learning.

Just from checking out the teenager's posts, it's pretty clear he sees nothing wrong with jamming on the drums even if it messes with his neighbor's sleep. At the very least, he asked for an outside perspective.

He could easily opt to practice during hours when people are awake. This neighbor probably wouldn't mind the drumming sounds as long as she can hear them during broad daylight.

Moreover, it's important for him to acknowledge his mistake and apologize to the neighbor too!

Engaging the Community

Lastly, community involvement can play a pivotal role in shaping teenagers’ understanding of social norms. Volunteering opportunities can expose adolescents to diverse perspectives, enhancing their ability to empathize with others.

Research suggests that engaging in community service not only improves social responsibility but also cultivates a greater appreciation for the impact of one's actions on the lives of others.

Psychological Analysis

This situation reflects common adolescent behavior where the focus on self can overshadow the needs of others. It’s important for teens to learn the value of consideration and how their actions affect those around them, which can be achieved through guided discussions and real-world experiences.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, adolescent entitlement behaviors can be addressed through a combination of empathy training, boundary setting, and community engagement. Research emphasizes that understanding and managing social expectations is crucial for healthy development.

As developmental psychology illustrates, fostering empathy and respect during these formative years can set the foundation for healthier relationships in adulthood.