Do you often find yourself and others around you listening to the same songs, artists or albums? Whether it’s sharing AirPods with a friend or blasting the “aux” in the car, music is incorporated into the average high schooler’s life on a daily basis. Music, especially in teenagers, helps shape one’s identity and can have both negative and positive effects on their emotions. Whether it’s putting on some tunes to lock in on homework or to help cope with a hard day, listening to music plays a significant role in Gen Z’s lives today.
Music is often used not only as a dopamine boost or a way to stay focused and productive but also as a way to connect with friends and family. Music can also be used to discover new cultures, perspectives and share experiences. Some of the biggest streaming platforms among listeners are Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music, which all provide great opportunities for discovering new artists, sharing songs and connecting with others through musical taste.
Incorporated into our everyday lives, music is everywhere we go. One can hear it in the car, on the radio, in the store, at the lake on someone’s speaker and in so many other places and circumstances of life. For some people, music is a big part of their identity, and they always have a pair of headphones on, listening to some tunes. Others prefer to listen to music on occasion. No matter which one you are, society and friends around you can have a big impact on what you listen to.
Although you might have a unique taste in music compared to your friends, they might also have a significant influence on what you listen to. You might feel pressured to listen to the same genres and artists as your friends, or you might just be curious about discovering new music. Some people might feel criticized by their friends and peers because of what they listen to, but each person should be able to enjoy listening to what suits them or their current mood and tailor their playlist to their personal preferences.
“I don’t really take it personal when someone criticizes my music because everyone has their own taste and doesn’t have to like the same things,” sophomore Gabby Trabanino said.
Based on a survey of LSHS students, most of the results reflected that friends can really have a big impact on what you listen to, and music appreciation goes far beyond just listening to music.
Sharing a favorite song, artist, or album with someone, or even sharing the differences in music taste that one has compared to another can bring people together and make way for a great conversation.
At LSHS, music is big, and many high schoolers have a real passion for it, no matter what you listen to. Some of the top genres preferred were rap, rock, pop and indie. Favorite artists also included Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator and Lana Del Rey.
Social media is also a big factor when it comes to music. Songs are often shared through apps like TikTok and Instagram, and you can find a bunch of new music whether you’re viewing someone’s story, scrolling through reels, or watching someone lip sync to a TikTok. Artists are also big on social media, and many fans like to keep up-to-date on their socials, waiting for their favorite artist to release a new song or album. Teens are exposed to all sorts of sources where they can discover new music to add to their playlists.
Attending concerts and music festivals are also big among avid music listeners nowadays. For many students, concerts have become an essential part of their social lives, or even just to hear their favorite artists perform live. Going to concerts with friends can create lasting memories and deepen friendships, as shared experiences often bring people together.
Friends may introduce each other to new bands or genres, and these musical discoveries can become the foundation of a new tradition. For example, attending a concert with a group of friends could become a yearly tradition to see their favorite artists or discover new kinds of music together.
These shared experiences can have a powerful impact on their music taste, as people are often more open to trying new genres of music recommended by friends. Over time, attending concerts with friends helps solidify their friendship and spending time together to bond over shared interests. Concerts and music traditions that students build with their friends play a significant role in shaping their music taste and preferences as well as strengthening their social connections.
“I prefer going to concerts with friends. It’s a lot more fun getting to share music you like with someone. Social settings allow for people to listen to new music, so I can explore more options,” Trabanino said.
Many people incorporate music into their daily lives and have a big appreciation for it. Songs can deeply impact people by influencing their emotions and creating unique experiences and connections.
Friends and peers often play a big role in influencing music taste, sharing new songs and artists that can quickly become included in some of our favorite playlists. Appreciating music with other people around us can become both a social and personal experience that makes way for great memories and new discoveries.
