Why We Love Music
We love music for an almost insurmountable amount of reasons. Sometimes we use it to cope when life throws us a few lemons, other times we use it as a way to pass the time, or add a dramatic flair to our latest YouTube video. Music is ingrained in our lives and culture and for many, it holds a special place in our heart. Music loved by many. But why, from a scientific stand point, does music have such a profound impact on most people?
The release of dopamine is one factor as to why many people love music. Dopamine is a special chemical released by the brain that is responsible for making a person feel good. So, when you listen to a song that triggers the release of this particular brain chemical you are having a positive psychological association with the music, so you listen to more music.
Emotional attachment may be another reason we find music particularly appealing. Whether it’s due to dopamine levels or used as a way to cope with a recent breakup we can become emotionally attached to songs and music. The feelings produced by this attachment may be useful as a way to relieve stress, encourage motivation, express love, etc. In short, music can be used as a way to express ourselves emotionally. William Faulkner once said, “I would say that music is the easiest means in which to express, but since words are my talent, I must try to express clumsily in words what the pure music would have done better.”
Seeing as music can impact our minds in such a drastic and specific way it is no surprise music is so important to many of us. Music can be very enjoyable for those who love it regardless of the cause. The simple truth is that you don’t always have to know why you love something for you to love it completely.