Why We Listen To Music

By Ananya Uppu

Music is the moment.

It is estimated that 95.6% of Americans between the ages of 13-20 listen to some form of audio daily (that’s 270 million people tuning in daily!). And why wouldn’t they? Listening to music is a fun and effortless way to pass the time, and tuning into your favorite artists and albums while starting chores, homework, or physical activity is a great way to get motivated.

According to a survey by Jelmar, 80% of Americans say they combine listening to music while cleaning. In addition, 66% say music makes cleaning tasks much more enjoyable and efficient.

But there is more than what meets the ears when listening to your playlists. Music has the unique ability to evoke emotional responses from listeners, ranging from fuzzy feelings of a love song to chills from a tear-jerking performance of a ballad. One of the most popular research in psychology is the study of the connection between music and emotions. But how exactly are our senses affected by something as mundane as songs?

The following features of music can explain our emotional responses:

Nostalgia:

Hearing a song played during a significant moment can trigger memories and emotions of the event. For example, playing music from an eventful birthday party you had many years ago can bring up the sound of laughter, the smell of cake, and the images of children having fun. On the other hand, a song that is related to a tragic event, like a funeral, can bring up more somber emotions and visuals. These feelings do not come from the music itself. Instead, it comes from what they remind us of and how we associate with them.

Motivation:

Along with resurfacing memories, music can also promote physical activity. People find themselves moving along with the song they are listening to, dancing to fast-paced beats, and gently shaking their heads to a slow ballad. Music can also motivate individuals to get work done. According to the New York Post, 66% listen to music while they clean, and almost 74% of those have a go-to song to play.

Comfort:

Many people look for outside sources of comfort during times of sorrow and pain. One such source that provides the escape they crave is music. The lyrics of a song that resonates with the listener’s dilemma or situation provide a sense of solace, give their troubles a voice, and make them feel heard and not alone.

While there are many more reasons why people tend to listen to music, these are the more commonly experienced features that make it such an addicting thing.

Music isn’t an instant happy pill that supplies positive emotions at once; instead, it takes your mind off negative thoughts and ideas, leaving you feeling much better.

Simply put, music creates an environment to adapt to and comfort your emotional needs. So next time you feel down, listen to “22” by Taylor Swift or “Sunday Best” by Surfaces and see if you feel energized during the chorus.