Music could be Bad for our health?

Music has a profound impact on our mood; but what are the long-term consequences of casually consuming certain themes and ideas?

How?

Music has long been one of the most effective forms of propaganda, capable of altering people’s perceptions of political and social issues. National anthems, politically driven music movements (such as the anarchist ideals that emerged alongside the punk scene), and even communist states during the Second World War all used music to instil and reinforce political ideology.

Why does music have such a profound effect on people? During the Soviet communist revolution, auditory propaganda quickly proved to be more effective than purely visual forms. When listening to music, we rarely pause to analyse the ideas presented in the lyrics. By the time we consciously register what we have heard, the song has often already moved on to the next verse. As a result, our brains absorb the stimuli subconsciously, encouraging emotional and behavioural responses we may not even be aware of.

How often have you met someone whose music taste seems to reflect their personality? Metal listeners are often associated with certain stereotypes, fans of melancholic music are commonly linked to sadness, and punk listeners are frequently tied to political activism—the list goes on. Music offers more than just a listening experience; it provides entry into a subculture. With subcultures come shared values, styles of self-presentation, and ways of interacting with the political world. To what extent does the music we listen to reflect characteristics we already possess, and to what extent does it encourage us to behave in certain ways in order to belong?

To understand how deeply sound can influence our reactions and behaviour, consider the following scenario. Imagine watching a bomb explode in the distance. If your hearing were taken away, it would take time to process the visual information and decide whether the event was dangerous before triggering a fight-or-flight response. However, if your vision were obstructed and you could only hear the explosion, your body would react instantly—flinching before you had consciously identified the threat. The auditory stimulus would immediately trigger adrenaline and fear. This demonstrates how powerful sound can be, even when we are not consciously aware of its influence unless the danger is urgent.

If sound can invoke fear—one of the most powerful human emotions—so quickly, what effects might other types of sound have on us? What is the impact of a love song, an angry political album like Rage Against the Machine, a smooth jazz playlist, or a melancholic ballad? These questions encourage us to consider how much media we consume both actively and passively, and how it shapes our emotional state.

So perhaps turn off that Lana Del Rey playlist (unless you’ve just had a breakup) and put on some ABBA, and notice the difference in your mood. Reflect on the music you listen to most consistently, and consider how it may be influencing your emotions, your decisions, and even your life.