The Thoughts of We

Scholars have long wondered Why Humans Love Music. Charles Darwin guessed that music was a courtship ritual, but recent studies point to a different reason: music strengthens community bonds. Songs and tunes played in military marches or during football games can bring people together and create a sense of belonging. Here are four reasons why human beings are drawn to music. Let’s explore each of them, one by one.

The first reason is that music uses our brains to sync up in rhythmic ways. This means that the sound of music triggers a similar, shared emotional response as a conversation. Music works in much the same way as language, using a combination of dynamic variation and sound to affect us. And it’s a universal language! Even though there are different reasons why humans are attracted to music, these are the ones that contribute most.

Another reason is that music causes the release of dopamine. When we hear a song, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of pleasure. Throughout the workweek, we may need to listen to music. Or, we may simply listen to music to relax. Music triggers our brains to release dopamine, a feel-good chemical that helps explain why humans love music.

In short, music creates a communal experience. It’s an extension of our inner lives, enhancing our relationships with others. Similarly, music is a medium for shared experiences. This conviviality of music making is based on this shared experience. However, this does not mean that the human brain does not use emotions, as some researchers suggest. It is important to remember that emotions are essential to music. It’s the empathetic response to music that makes it so universal.