The Power of Sad Songs: How Gen Z Uses Music For Stress Release
What do you typically search for when listening to music? Well, according to Spotify’s data, Gen Z’s top searched term is “sad.” Playlists often serve as the soundtrack to our lives and students who are navigating Spotify or Apple Music have undoubtedly stumbled upon this new trend that’s making waves. Search for “sad” on the streaming platform, and you’ll find an abundance of playlists with names like “Sad Crying Mix,” “Lonely Sad Mix,” and “Crying Myself To Sleep.” It might seem like an odd phenomenon, but there’s more to this trend than meets the eye.
So why are students drawn to sad playlists and what do educators need to know about this musical trend’s impact on students? Huddle with us to find out!
Matching Music to the Mood
Gen Z’s affinity for sad songs might raise eyebrows, but it’s not necessarily a sign that they are a gloomy generation. Dr. Michael Bonshor, a music psychology expert, explains that there are several reasons why Gen Z is turning to sad music. First, technology has become an integral part of their lives, and they’re adept at customizing their music to match their moods and activities. With their slow tempo and low-intensity melodies, sad songs offer relaxation and create a soothing effect.
But why do Gen Z students need these calming tunes? The answer lies in the pressures they face. Gen Z is known for being tech-savvy, ambitious, and politically involved. They’ve grown up in a rapidly changing world, which comes with its own set of challenges and pressures. Listening to sad music serves as a form of self-soothing, helping them manage the stress and pressure of daily life, while also connecting them with like-minded people with similar music tastes.
Additionally, research shows that Gen Z tends to be very reflective, and they look for a sense of belonging that can be found through music. Through these shared sad song playlists, students are creating a space to reflect on their lives and finding a community with similar interests.
TSI’s Take
Understanding students’ inclinations toward sad music is essential for educators as it offers insight into how students cope with stress and pressure. Educators can support students’ emotional well-being by recognizing that this music trend serves as a therapeutic outlet for them, rather than viewing it as a negative habit.
Incorporating this knowledge into your teaching approach can foster a more empathetic and supportive learning environment. Research shows that a positive school community is tied to high or improving attendance rates, test scores, and graduation rates, so it’s crucial to create a space where students feel comfortable expressing their feelings, whether through music or other means. By acknowledging the role of social media, tech, or even music in their lives, educators can better connect with students and provide the necessary support when needed.
Through our peer-to-peer curriculum, #WinAtSocial, we empower students to use tech and social media, like music streaming services, in ways that will fuel their health, happiness, and future success. Our lessons equip students to:
- Navigate social media and tech in positive ways that reflect their values, character, and interests online and offline
- Play to their strengths and appreciate their wins
- Express themselves in high-character ways, whether that be through music streaming platforms or more
By embracing music as a therapeutic tool and huddling with your students to discuss music, we can empower students to find tools to express themselves positively while embracing the healing power of music, one song at a time.
To learn more about how you can empower your students to play to their core, request a demo today for our digital #WinAtSocial Lessons– which help strengthen skills such as problem-solving, social awareness, and self-awareness in students.
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The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.