Music in general has great power to stay in people’s minds. However, Some melodies tend to focus more on memory.. These are called “catchy songs” or “earworms.” These rhythms not only persist in memory, but, in fact, are difficult to get out of them.
Although it seems like it’s just a whim of the mind, the truth is that behind these catchy songs there are physical and psychological mechanisms which determine their memory. Science has begun to study this phenomenon and its impact on individual life and culture. Let’s see.
Catchy songs
Why do certain songs stick so clearly in our minds? Research has established that these melodies are almost always They have a musical structure that features patterns of symmetry and familiarity. This means that they contain regular segments and are simply made, which is why they are “familiar” to us.
NOW, this type of structure activates auditory memory. This causes the brain to encode and memorize them more easily. Repetition, ensured by symmetry and familiarity, becomes a recognizable sequence for the brain and therefore easily integrates it into memory.
The brain is particularly sensitive to symmetry and predictable patterns. You spend much less energy understanding and assimilating this than exposing yourself to novelty and unpredictability. Repetition helps reduce cognitive load and increases the ease of memorizing certain sequences.
Added to this is the fact that people who like a particular song they tend to listen to it several times. By doing so, they help to fix this melody in their brain. Additionally, they tend to link it to a specific emotion, which they feel intensely, over and over again.
Effect on mood
Catchy songs not only take root in the mind, but also have a significant impact on mood. Music influences what psychologists call “emotional valence.” This is how people evaluate stimuli, events, or situations in terms of like or dislike.
So the melody can evoke positive or negative feelings. A catchy and happy song lifts your spirits and brings a dose of energy. If applicable, the reward system is activated in the brain. This means that “exposing yourself” to this song is seen as an enriching experience. This way it becomes more ingrained in the mind.
In some cases, This also has negative consequences.. A song that is too ingrained in your memory can make it difficult to maintain concentration on tasks that require it. It’s as if the melody is constantly attracting attention. This produces a feeling of intrusion which becomes annoying.
The role in culture
Catchy songs not only impact specific individuals, but also they come to mark entire generations and eras. These themes cross borders and create strong connections between people through music. The massive diffusion of these melodies influences the creation of a collective identity.
The lyrics of these songs not only function as entertainment, but also they give rise to a worldview and a collective state of mindin which certain emotions predominate. They establish common points of reference, encouraging people to share experiences and feel part of a community.
From a music industry perspective, the perspective is different. Producing catchy songs is a strategy that guarantees success and incomecontinuously. Unfortunately, a song often goes viral because of its thematic and melodic simplicity. It becomes massive and becomes a reference for many people, but its quality is questionable.
Emotion and context
It has been shown that songs that evoke feelings of happiness, nostalgia, or excitement can resonate more strongly in our memory. In addition, the context in which we listen to a songlike at a party or during a special moment, can make this song even more memorable.
The psychology of hooking
As we see, psychology plays a fundamental role in what makes a song catchy. Some studies indicate that “fluency theory” suggests that People prefer what is easy to process. Simple, straightforward songs tend to be more memorable. Additionally, “anticipation theory” suggests that certain harmonic progressions create an expectation that is satisfied when resolved, which can make the listener want to listen to the song again and again.
Conclusion
The next time you hear a melody that you can’t get out of your head, remember that there is much more behind it than just the creativity of the artist; The science of music also plays a fundamental role. So enjoy these catchy songs and let yourself be carried away by the music!
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