music while studying: pros and cons
Mina Chung, Reporter
Entertainment & Culture
Photo provided by Monkey Business Images.
Walking around campus, learning in a classroom, or even studying for an upcoming test, today’s students are constantly intertwined in the world of music. It cannot be avoided. Even if you are not listening to it, you see people listen to music. But what is behind this madness? Why do students immerse themselves in music?
In a 2021 study done by The Princeton Review, researchers found that over 50% of students reported feeling stressed. Of those students, 25% said that their stress was caused by school-related issues. Listening to calming music or even just a favorite song can help decrease stress levels. Not only do genres like lo-fi, jazz, and classical music (as well as favorite songs) reduce stress levels, they also trigger a dopamine release. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter released when you feel excitement or are expecting a reward. This is what makes you happy. When someone’s mood increases, their focus will also improve. Dr. Masha Godkin, a therapist and psychology professor, said, “Music activates both the left and right brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memory.”
Despite the many reasons music is seen as a positive addition to one’s learning process and environment, there are still many downsides to listening to music while studying. For example, writer for the Healthline Magazine, Crystal Raypole, said, “If you already have a hard time manipulating multiple pieces of information, listening to music could make this process even more challenging.” Although this seems like a big reason to cut music out of any studying routine, this is where different music genres come into play. Certain genres one can gravitate to include: slow instrumental music, classical, EDM, ambient songs, and even nature sounds. This is because they help you relax while still keeping you focused and attentive. On the other hand, songs one should avoid consist of music containing distracting lyrics, surprising instrumentals (such as rock), and songs that one has a strong attraction to. Overall, how one involves music and utilizes it in their learning environment depends on how a person works best. So the next time you sit down to study for a test, think about what type of music (if any) is best for you.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Kamiak High School or The Gauntlet.