Can the Music Youth Listen to Affect Their Behavior?
Music is often blamed for influencing particular behaviors, but does it really do so? Why is music sometimes associated with negative behavior and actions?
With music being such a staple in youth culture, it seems that each teenager has a “soundtrack to their life.” But, are they just innocently listening to their favorite tunes? Or are they in for something more?
In the media it seems that certain groups that are joined with particular genres of music, often seen with styles such as rap and hard-rock/heavy metal, are pinpointed when something within their community goes awry, as having been strongly influenced by the music they listen to.
But does it truly work this way? Can the content of a song influence one’s actions and behavior? The question remains; is there really a connection?
As the popularity of music among youth grows, the number of teens who are becoming more violent, more sexually active and who are experimenting with drugs is steadily increasing. The parallel seen between the two analyses sparks questions regarding a connection; does music influence potentially harmful behavior?
Pop stars can influence their followers through music videos and image that they have the right opinion on certain topics that affect everyone. The messages pop stars show in their videos and the image that present affect everyone in both positive and negative ways. For one thing many pop musicians have a strong influence on charitable organizations. Pop stars also convey the message of a drug free environment but on the other hand many encourage the use of drugs through music videos. These aspects of the pop star pertain to image. The public sees these things being done and wants to be the same way. Many teens are influenced to make a difference in good way by pop stars but mostly in a negative sense. But is there a down side to these images? Maybe yes.
The fact is it is a very