Really I see it as the exact opposite. A walk around the neighborhood is highly unlikely to strike up random conversation with a stranger. Might run into a friend or someone friendly but they are likely going to approach with or without airpods
Interesting that your experience is so different. I didn't mean strangers in my neighborhood though, just acquaintances / neighbors who I talk to sometimes - and airpods nudge the decision towards smile / wave keep walking over stop and chat.