that is appalling. I ride alone almost all the time, most of the time with music, but the few times I ride along with someone else I obviously take the buds out. Otherwise there would be no point in riding with other people
I have to admit that I'm a lot more tuned out of my surroundings and approaching cyclists from behind when I'm riding chatting with someone than when I'm listening to music... much less practice, and I'll be telling long, convoluted stories and going slower too.