AI Deconstructs Relationship between Music and Emotions

Mapping the Science of Music and Emotions
Dominic Nicosia

Written By

Dominic Nicosia

We all knew this day would come….robots are taking over in the best possible way. Researchers at USC claim that AI (yep…robots) can map what qualities of our favorite songs give us the warm-and-fuzzies…and the mad-and-crazies. We’re all aware of just how much our beloved tunes can give us the impetus to do anything, including overcome alcohol and drug addiction. Whether we realize it or not, there’s a science to this inspiration, and the relationship between music and emotions.

In a new paper published by France’s ACM Multimedia, study authors explain how musical attributes like pitch, melody, rhythm and harmony elicit different types of cerebral activity, physiological reactions and emotions. They also assert that machine-learning can use these relationship maps to predict how people might connect with a certain piece of music.

Going Deeper

Just so we’re clear, we’re not talking about the obvious claims that Beethoven and Mozart can calm us down, or that Black Sabbath freaks people out. This an in-depth exploration of the relationship between music and emotions that measures direct physical responses, like sweating, body temperature and electrical responses in the brain.

Spotify and other streaming services played a large in the initial stages of the experiment, as researchers began by scouring the site and others like it for songs tagged with labels like “happy” and “sad”. They then narrowed down sixty pieces of music to one the that consistently induced happiness and two that induced sadness (Ólafur Arnalds’s “Fyrsta” and Michael Kamen’s “Discovery of the Camp” and Lullatone’s “Race Against the Sunset”). From there, they fed complex data, including song attributes, into an AI platform. Researchers think the findings can have meaningful implications for the field of music therapy.

Music, Emotions and Recovery

Recovery Unplugged has known for years that music and emotions are inextricably linked. While this level of granular research is admittedly interesting, we have never needed an algorithm to measure the profound changes that our clients experience when they leverage music in their substance use recovery. You don’t need to know how or why it happens (although it’s certainly cool to find out), just that it does. If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol or other drugs, put on your favorite record, pick up the phone, and call Recovery Unplugged today

Dominic Nicosia

Dominic Nicosia

Dominic Nicosia, a seasoned content writer, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the realm of healthcare writing, particularly in the addiction care field. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Professional Writing from the University of the Arts Philadelphia (2009), Dominic has carved a niche for himself with over seven years of specialized writing experience in addiction care.

As the Senior Content Writer at Recovery Unplugged, Dominic is entrusted with the pivotal role of curating and overseeing the online blog, ensuring its alignment with the highest standards of accuracy, relevance, and trustworthiness. His responsibilities extend beyond the blog, encompassing all written communications within the Marketing domain. From articles and thought leadership pieces to web content, Dominic's penmanship is evident in every written facet of Recovery Unplugged.

Dominic's credibility is further enhanced by his contributions to esteemed publications like Austin Fit Magazine, where he delves into critical topics such as drug use, addiction, recovery, and mental health. His writings not only reflect his profound understanding of the subject matter but also resonate with readers, offering insights and guidance. Outside the professional sphere, Dominic's passion for music is evident. He has been writing and playing music for years, showcasing his versatility and depth as a writer and artist.

Dominic Nicosia stands as a beacon of expertise and credibility in the healthcare writing community. With a deep understanding of his subject matter and a commitment to accuracy, he consistently delivers content that is both informative and reliable, meeting the highest standards of quality and trustworthiness in the industry.


Experience

  • Proven track record in managing and enhancing online blogs, articles, and thought leadership pieces.
  • Adept at blending his passion for music with his writing, offering a unique perspective on topics.


    Education

  • Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Professional Writing from the University of the Arts Philadelphia (2009).
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