The Thoughts of We

Researchers have discovered that listening to music increases the pleasure centers in our brains. These regions are associated with emotion, reward, and arousal, all important to survival. When people listen to music, they engage in similar neural activity to those who listen to language. This shared experience suggests that music is an evolutionary advantage. If you’ve ever wondered why we love music, read on to learn more about the benefits of listening to it.

Scientists believe that humans love music because it allows them to communicate with different parts of their brain. While neuroimaging studies have shown that people’s reward circuits are often connected, these studies are correlational, rather than causal. In a recent study, Mas-Herrero et al. measured brain activity by using noninvasive brain stimulation (NMT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to directly stimulate the reward circuit in eight participants.

Music has been shown to be a key player in human behavior. Its release of dopamine is the reason why people love music. This neurotransmitter is released in the brain during sex, eating, or engaging in powerful activities. When we hear music, we produce a certain chemical called dopamine, which stimulates brain activity. It is responsible for addiction, which is why people become addicted to it.