A song stuck in your head, commonly known as an “earworm,” is a phenomenon where a melody or tune gets stuck in your mind and plays repeatedly for a prolonged period of time.
The experience can be involuntary or intentional, and while it can be entertaining at times, it can also be frustrating and distracting.
Scientific research suggests that earworms occur due to the brain’s attempt to fill gaps in the auditory cortex, and they tend to be triggered by simple, repetitive melodies that activate the brain’s reward system.
Emotions and social and cultural factors can also play a role in creating earworms.
Despite their sometimes-annoying nature, earworms have been found to have potential benefits, such as the use of music in therapy for mental health.
Experiences shared by many people
People have shared personal anecdotes and experiences about having earworms, from getting a catchy jingle stuck in their head for days to waking up with a song playing in their mind.
Some people report that earworms are more likely to occur during stressful or emotional times, while others find that certain activities or environments trigger them.
Despite the differences in individual experiences, having an earworm is a common and relatable phenomenon.
Overview of the scientific research on the topic
Scientific research on earworms has found that they are associated with activity in the brain’s auditory cortex and reward system, and tend to be triggered by simple, repetitive melodies.
The role of emotions and stress in creating earworms is also an area of study, with some studies suggesting that negative emotions may exacerbate the experience.
Social and cultural factors have been found to influence the likelihood of earworms, with music exposure and familiarity being key factors.
While earworms can be frustrating, researchers have also found potential benefits, such as the use of music therapy for mental health.
The neuroscience behind memory and how it relates to earworms
Earworms are believed to be associated with activity in the brain’s auditory cortex and reward system.
The auditory cortex is responsible for processing sound, and when we hear music, it activates this part of the brain.
Repetition of a melody can create a short-term memory trace in the auditory cortex, which can lead to a loop of the same tune playing over and over again.
The reward system, which is responsible for regulating emotions, motivation, and pleasure, is also involved in creating earworms.
Research has found that listening to music can release dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
When we hear music that we enjoy, our brains may associate it with positive feelings, leading to the desire to hear it again and again.
Additionally, research has shown that earworms tend to be triggered by simple, repetitive melodies.
This is because the brain has an easier time processing and memorizing these types of patterns. The more familiar a melody, the more likely it is to become an earworm.
Research studies on the link between memory and earworms
Research studies have investigated the link between memory and earworms.
One study published in the journal Music Perception found that earworms may be associated with a type of memory called “involuntary autobiographical memories.”
These are memories that are triggered by specific cues, such as a song or scent, and can be highly emotional and vivid.
Another study published in the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts examined the role of repetition in creating earworms.
The study found that repetition was a key factor in creating earworms, and that the brain’s reward system played a role in sustaining them over time.
A review of earworm research published in the journal Memory and Cognition found that familiarity with a melody was a major factor in creating earworms.
The review also suggested that earworms may be related to a type of memory called “working memory,” which is responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information.
The role of repetition in creating earworms
Repetition is believed to play a crucial role in creating earworms.
When we hear a melody repeatedly, it can create a short-term memory trace in the auditory cortex, which can lead to a loop of the same tune playing over and over again.
The more we hear a melody, the stronger this memory trace becomes, making it more likely to become an earworm.
Research has also found that repetition can activate the brain’s reward system, leading to positive emotions and the desire to hear the melody again.
This is why many earworms are simple, repetitive melodies that are easy to remember and catchy.
However, not all repetitions are created equal.
A study published in the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts found that certain types of repetition were more likely to create earworms than others.
For example, repetition with slight variations, such as changing the pitch or rhythm slightly, was more effective at creating earworms than exact repetition.
The emotional connection between music and our memories
Emotional connection between music and our memories is a well-known phenomenon that has been studied by researchers.
Because emotions enhance memory processes and music can evoke strong emotions, music could be involved in forming memories of experiences, people, or places.
Listening to music can also trigger intense recollections from years past, for many more strongly than other senses such as taste or smell, and provoke strong emotions from those earlier experiences.
Studies have found that music has the ability to conjure up vivid memories and sensory snapshots almost instantly.
This is because listening to music activates the brain’s visual cortex, causing us to associate the sound with visual and other memories.
These memories can remain with us for the rest of our lives, serving as powerful triggers for emotions and nostalgia.
The connection between music and memory is not fully understood, but research suggests that it may be related to the way that music affects the brain’s reward system.
Listening to music can release dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
When we hear music that we enjoy, our brains may associate it with positive feelings, leading to the desire to hear it again and again.
The role of emotions in creating earworms
The role of emotions in creating earworms is an area of study that has been investigated by researchers.
Studies have found that emotions can enhance memory processes and that music has the ability to evoke strong emotions.
This emotional connection between music and memories could help explain why certain melodies become earworms.
For example, a study published in the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts found that earworms tend to be associated with positive emotions.
The study suggested that music that elicits positive emotions may be more likely to become an earworm because it creates a desire to hear the melody again and again.
Other studies have examined the role of stress and negative emotions in creating earworms.
One study published in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology found that participants who were induced to feel stressed were more likely to experience earworms than those who were not.
The study suggested that stress may increase the likelihood of earworms by increasing the activation of the brain’s reward system.
Examples of how particular songs can trigger specific emotions
Music has the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, depending on the melody, lyrics, and personal experiences associated with it.
Here are some examples of how particular songs can trigger specific emotions:
“Someone Like You” by Adele – This song is often associated with feelings of heartbreak, loss, and longing. The emotional lyrics and Adele’s powerful vocals can evoke a sense of sadness and nostalgia in listeners.
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams – As the title suggests, this song is known for its upbeat and cheerful melody, which can create a sense of joy and happiness in listeners. The infectious beat and lyrics that encourage listeners to clap along can create a feeling of positivity and optimism.
“Fix You” by Coldplay – This song is often associated with feelings of hope and comfort. The uplifting melody and lyrics about overcoming adversity can evoke a sense of inspiration and motivation in listeners.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen – This iconic song is known for its complex structure and emotional lyrics. The soaring melodies, dramatic shifts in tempo, and lyrics about life and death can create a sense of awe and wonder in listeners.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey – This classic rock anthem has become a symbol of perseverance and determination. The uplifting melody and lyrics about never giving up can create a sense of empowerment and motivation in listeners.
The link between stress and earworms
There is a link between stress and earworms, which are those musical snippets that get stuck in our heads.
Research has found that people who experience earworms as terribly annoying and stressful are more likely to express typical OCD symptoms such as mysophobia (fear of germs, dirt, etc.).
It’s believed that stress can create the conditions for earworms to persist by increasing activity in the brain’s reward system.
Stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions can also increase the likelihood of experiencing earworms.
For example, a study published in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology found that participants who were induced to feel stressed were more likely to experience earworms than those who were not.
The study suggested that stress may increase the likelihood of earworms by increasing the activation of the brain’s reward system.
However, it’s not just negative emotions that can trigger earworms.
Positive emotions, such as excitement or anticipation, can also lead to earworms.
For example, hearing a catchy tune before attending a concert or other exciting event can create an earworm that persists throughout the experience.
More resources on why songs get stuck in your head
Harvard scientist on why that song is stuck in your head
Why Earworms Get Stuck In Our Heads
Psychologists identify why certain songs get stuck in your head
Why Do Songs Get Stuck in My Head?
