The Thoughts of We

Scientists have long been fascinated by the way music affects us. It triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, the “feel-good” hormone. In fact, the pleasure center of the brain is stimulated whenever music plays. This effect is the primary reason why humans enjoy listening to music. Here’s a closer look at the science behind it. Read on to learn more about the science behind why we love music and why it can affect our lives.

Researchers have discovered that music induces intense pleasurable responses in the brain. Dopamine is released at the point where a person experiences peak emotion. As a result, the experience of listening to music follows a specific pathway of dopamine production. Moreover, music is associated with a high level of empathy, which helps people process it as a pleasurable proxy for human encounters. This in turn, leads to an increased desire for more music.

Studies have shown that listening to music triggers intense responses in the brain’s reward and emotion centers. Dopamine is released when a person experiences a particular emotion. This is the reason why people who enjoy music are happier and more tolerant of other people’s feelings. The brain’s dopamine system controls the feeling of pleasure. As humans love music, we experience its benefits in ways similar to the way we feel and think.