How Music Connects Us All
Music is used everywhere in the world and connects people globally. The poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, described music as being “the universal language of mankind,” and that thought still stands even today as people are united even across different cultures and generations.
Harvard University researched and found that music can synchronize human brain activity and emotions, but it goes beyond science as well. Music can unite groups of people when at a concert and allows them to be brought together for their love of the same artist.
Music overall is a tool that people use to convey messages and to connect with others. It is used in many different aspects, whether it’s playing on a TV show, a playlist shared between two friends, or even used by people when rallying. No matter where, it is one of the most powerful tools for humans to express themselves and for harmony between us all.
Music can affect our brains, allowing people to connect naturally. Scientists have discovered that listening to music causes a trigger release of dopamine, a hormone that is released when doing things, like pleasurable activities or receiving a reward. According to a study done by researchers at McGill University, dopamine levels were found to be increased up to 9% when volunteers listened to music they enjoyed.
Aside from just affecting individuals, it can also link people together to bond. Research by Couture Media shows that different regions of our brain light up to melodies, harmonies, and rhythms in response. Our emotional highs and lows are caused by the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
The Royal Society Publishing researched and found that when strangers listen to music in groups, they can bond together quickly and easily by singing the songs together. When singing, endorphins, which are hormones that produce natural pain relievers and mood boosters, are released and allow people to feel uplifted.
“Music has the ability to bring a sense of calm to a person and can help with stress. It is incredibly important for a person’s well-being and has the effect of lowering the stress level in people. Your mood can change depending on the type of music, ranging from calm to hardcore music,” said Ms. Luces, a psychology teacher at MLEC.
Music not only affects our brain in those contexts, though, it can also help the elderly who may have significant brain damage or a serious condition. Music has helped many patients who suffer from conditions like dementia or any other situation that causes memory loss.
There are studies that show how music has allowed people to regain memories. DementiaUK gives us information about how listening to and engaging in music has been found to connect patients with the ability to recall old memories. It allows them to connect with their past and can provide them with comfort.
“Music has a way of evoking positive emotions and feelings. Depending on how far they knew the song, it can bring them back to the moment and allow them to remember their past life. I have seen when older people listen to music, and as soon as they do, you can see their bodies change, and the music affects them. Keeping them happy means that their quality of life improves,” said Ms. Luces.
Music isn’t limited by age or ability – it has become a great bridge between generations and people of all backgrounds. Artists like Elton John, The Beatles, and Madonna all rose to fame in different decades. Yet they continuously have their music reach younger audiences, such as Millennials and Gen Z. This just proves how music can transcend time and push through those limits that may appear.
Famous artists like Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles were even able to prove that physical limits should not stop your creativity and passion for music. They were able to break boundaries and overcome the challenges so that they could connect and inspire other people.
For teens today, music is more than just a background noise; it is used in their daily lives, and they rely on it. It plays while walking down the hallways in school, while doing homework, and while on the way home. A study from the Bay Area Clinical Associates shows that music can help teens regulate emotions and help with stress, making it a beneficial tool for mental health.
“I believe music influences my daily life depending on my mood. I could be sad or mad, and my music will change to reflect it. Music can also make you feel a certain way and help you connect with the lyrics, make you look back and analyze things,” said sophomore Vianka Lago.
Music is a great way to bond people through the shared feelings that they may experience. It impacts our bodies, our minds, and our moods. It builds bridges between generations and abilities, showing how music transcends age barriers and how songs can offer both comfort and healing.
Music is used as a way of expression for teens and allows them to connect with each other. No matter who or where we are, music just continues to show the power it has by bringing people together.
