Buzz
Now we know why our favorite songs can give us goosebumps as researchers uncover why the melodies we love can give us 'chills'.A French research team has found that when we listen to our favorite music, various areas of the brain must process emotions, movements, and auditory processing together to increase dopamine levels – the chemical that makes us feel positive.
As a result of the study, our brains attempt to predict what comes next, and when correct, we are rewarded.Thibault Chabin, a master's student at Burgundy Franche-Comté University leading the research, pointed out: “The most interesting thing is that music doesn't provide any biological benefit to the body. However, the increase in dopamine and reward system in thinking brings positivity when we enjoy music.”“This positivity occurs strongly when we are listening to music and the brain is busy predicting what happens next and releasing dopamine. Put simply, predicting what will happen is an integral part of human life!”In the experiment, 18 music enthusiasts with the ability to listen to various music genres experienced chills when listening to random music segments. The results showed that they reacted strongly to many pieces they didn't anticipate would give them 'goosebumps' rather than just those they predicted. Whether the sensation is frightening or intriguing depends on each individual's perception, with their expression of such reactions being seen as having the 'ability to express intense emotions during the experience'.
Subsequently, the research team conducted brainwave experiments on volunteers, identifying specific neural electrical activities in emotion-processing regions (related to motion control, music processing, and sound evaluation). These areas work simultaneously to process music signals and release the happiness hormone dopamine. When combined with the reward system and correct predictions, it creates a chilling sensation for the listener.That's the beauty of music, revealing why music is so essential in human life.Source: classicfm
