As we develop from childhood to adolescence, our minds begin to form patterns, and we decide on the things we like. Music is one of those things.
Listening to music can help teens escape from the world around them–but the music itself can also help them to create bonds with other people their age. According to the National Library of Medicine, “…adolescents identify themselves as belonging to or desiring to belong to specific peer groups and they may be drawn to other youth with similar taste.” Also, as reported in The New York Times, an analysis of Spotify showed that the songs we listen to during our teen years set our musical taste as adults. At this age, music is a very big deal.
A survey of South students provided a bit of insight to the musical interest of the students body, reflecting preferences for a wide variety of genres and artists from rap such as Rod Wave, Drake, and Yeat; some in between like Sza, Frank Ocean, Lana Del Ray, Lumineers, and Hozier; and other genres such as country, pop, R&B and Alternative/Indie.
The survey revealed other interesting information related to the importance that music plays in the lives of the South student community. For example, 90% of the study respondents noted that they had bonded with people over their music preferences. Researcher Danielle Stahle, from Gabb Blog, notes that “one of the most important benefits of music is its ability to create a sense of belonging between individuals. Music has been linked to forming both social closeness and familial bond.”
Additionally, 70% of students polled said they often or sometimes retreat into their music when they feel like no one understands them or they need to be alone. “When listening to my favorite songs, I feel happy and like my worries are insignificant,” said one student.
Research has shown that many different music forms (depending on the person) can lessen the impact of depression and anxiety, according to The Jed Foundation. Guidance counsel, Mrs. Murchie offered her thoughts about music as a coping mechanism for the improvement of one’s mental health, stating, “If the song is dark it may not help, but one with a positive message could be impactful.” The Jed Foundation also supports this claim by stating “..listening to upbeat music with an intention of getting in a better mood actually works.”
Whether to break the ice, forge bonds, or improve your overall mental state, it seems like your first and easiest step toward a healthier you might be your playlist.