Bumbling down the road, blocking the naturally occurring sounds of Earthly quivers is a normal trait of human function. It’s how we were born, fingers in ears, dissatisfied with the realities of life’s first reverberations. But that’s not the case, so why is it we do this?
Polluting others with the sounds of our distinctive interest and/or guilty pleasures (we all do) may be one of them. Or maybe there is a connection with the fact, most people dislike keeping mobile phones on-loud, or there could be a more logical conclusion in that mental illness probes for a temporary remedy in obstructing the senses from reality.
As ubiquitous as headphones are, and a gargantuan accessory to modern life, we are more likely to listen to music through increased availability to them. Got a new phone? Ba-da bing – headphones come standard. Instantly wearing headphones conjures a private room of our own. But could this be hurting our mental health? This depends on how you listen to music.
Perhaps there is a time and place for its function. I think so. I often listen to metal music when either running or hitting the gym – but when I am trying to work, like now, I throw on some Jazz or lofi Hip-Hop, spontaneously throwing me into a contented temperament. A type of anti-procrastination treatment.
The journal of consumer research found many listeners of music actively choose sad songs when experiencing a loss of any kind. So, it seems, there is a time and selective place for music.
“Interpersonal relationships influence consumer preference for aesthetic experiences. Consumers seek and experience emotional companionship with music, films, novels, and the fine arts as a substitute for lost and troubled relationships…”
In another study, an experiment debating the idea of trying to be happier using music as a core reference of analysis, found most people trying to be happier, and who listened to happier music, boosted their mood in just two weeks, versus those who listened to music without attempting to actively improve their mood.
In conclusion, the message from these studies is to be mindful of how you listen to music. Some types of music may remedy troubled situations, whereas, others may exacerbate anxious thoughts depending on how you decide to use your time immersed in song.
Be smart about your choices and decide if your current frame of mind can shift exposure of a chosen music into positive means. In short, if you listen to music, choose to be happy and it will make you happier. Hopefully!
Stanisland Magazine 