I didn't realize that research on this topic was so sparse, I just took it as a fact that people wearing airpods don't socialize in public.
When I was in college, the line "he can't hear you, he has airpods in" was a meme. It was used as a jab at someone who wasn't paying attention because they had wireless earbuds in. So I know I'm not the only one who feels that way.
I have a hard time understanding someone so oblivious as to need telling not to try talking to someone with earbuds in.
You can see them. Don’t talk to me. If you must, get my attention first with a wave or something - don’t touch me.