Chronic Addiction To Music?

    Surely I can't be the only one with this morning routine: Headphones in, world out. Your playlist becomes the soundtrack to every moment like studying, walking, gaming, breathing. But what if your musical obsession is more than just a habit? What if it's to the point where you can't seem to...put it down?

Researchers at McGill University made a groundbreaking discovery: music unleashes dopamine in the same manner as addictive drugs. That euphoric feeling when your favorite song plays? Neurologically, it's the same as a chemical high. Your brain isn't capable of differentiating between a good guitar riff and a dose of dopamine.

But this is where the complications begin. Unlike conventional addictions, music does not generally ruin lives; rather, it can enhance them most of the time. The boundary between passionate enjoyment and addiction is usually blurry, making a subtle psychological terrain that researchers continue to explore.

There are many researchers out there who agree that music generally a harmless addiction. But as for me, music can surely be distracting, because then I'd be too into it and ultimately I'm out jamming out to the songs in my playlist before even laying a finger on the keyboard to start my essay. If you seriously go through this same struggle while studying, what I recommend is switching your playlist to something more calm and purely instrumental. I find Jazz or some R&B to do the trick to get you back in focus while still having some music in the background. 

So are you addicted to music, or just really, really passionate about it? The answer might be playing right now, through your headphones.


Comments

  1. The Hiking DiariesFebruary 4, 2025 at 6:48 PM

    I never thought that listening to music could turn into an addiction - it's interesting and certainly makes sense! I also think that while listening to music has its overall benefits, there could also be some potential downfalls. Namely I feel like a lot of times I listen to music due to me not wanting to be alone with my own thoughts and find myself getting bored/sad if I don't have a constant stream of music going through my airpods. Like you said, it can also get distracting having music blaring or constantly switching playlists during homework.

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  2. Aaliyah JFebruary 4, 2025 at 11:03 PM

    Awesome Post, I never thought about how much music can simply turn into an addiction, to the point where you can't seem to put it down. As a music person myself, I definitely agree with your comment on if you want to focus on something try listening to something with a clam and steady melody or instrumentals help. Additionally, I love the line that you used "Headphones in, world out".

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  3. Alyssa's Digital DiaryFebruary 5, 2025 at 12:27 PM

    This is very interesting! As someone who listens to music every single day, I found this blog really engaging. I love listening to music whenever I’m on the go or doing something. I also really like the intro, "Headphones in, world out,"because it perfectly captures the peaceful feeling that music can bring.

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