Music, loneliness, and connection
Illustrations by Jesse Einhorn-Johnson
by Sonia Chien
The Loneliness Epidemic
Despite being more connected than ever through technology, a growing number of people report feeling alone. Over the past few years, loneliness has become widely acknowledged as a public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines loneliness as the sensation of being alone, no matter the person’s actual amount of social contact, while social isolation describes a lack of social connections altogether.
Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are even more common than we might think, especially among youth. In a 2023 global study, 25% of participants between 15-19 reported feeling “very lonely” or “fairly lonely.” Among 19-29 year olds, the number is even higher, with 27% of individuals experiencing significant loneliness. This is higher than the over-65 population, which reported just 17%.
These findings reveal that, even after the end of the pandemic lockdowns, young people have continued to feel its effects. Research also shows that social media is a contributing factor: When teenagers were asked about the emotions they associate with social media, loneliness was at the top of the list, with 25% of respondents reporting this feeling. Besides the impacts on mental health — including anxiety and depression — loneliness also takes a toll on physical health, raising the risk of heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.
But here’s the good news: Music might be one of the best ways to help us feel less alone.
How Music Connects Us
Think about a song you love and how it makes you feel seen, heard, or even more alive. We enjoy music because it’s been a part of human expression since the very beginning of our species, says Larry Sherman, a neuroscientist and co-author of Every Brain Needs Music.
“Music is a powerful way to communicate ideas, and this is likely one way that early humans shared stories and experiences,” describes Sherman.
What’s more, the way that music makes us feel hasn’t changed much over time. When Sherman studied ancient Greek songs translated into sheet music, he found that the basic components of music used to evoke emotions like happiness, sadness, and excitement were the same as what a composer might write for a modern movie soundtrack. “We’ve been using music to reflect human emotions in very specific ways for a very long time!” he says.
This is also true of modern music across different cultures. A 2024 study surveying 1,500 Asian and Western participants showed that people reported feeling the influence of music on the same parts of the body. Happy music is universally felt in the arms and legs, making us want to dance. Sad songs we feel in the chest, around our heart.
Benefits can also be observed in our biological response to music. Listening to music we enjoy triggers the release of beneficial neurochemicals. For instance, soothing music can stimulate the release of oxytocin, often called the “trust and love hormone.” Music has also been shown to support brain development by activating nearly every area and fostering new neural pathways. For young people, engaging with music — whether listening or sharing — has been particularly effective in improving emotional expression and regulation. Playing an instrument also has huge benefits, including positive effects on problem-solving skills and self-esteem.
Jesse Einhorn-Johnson
Why Sharing Music Feels So Good
It turns out there’s a scientific reason why it feels so good to be at a concert. When people listen to music together, their brain waves start to match the rhythm. Group music experiences, like concerts or singing in a choir, have also been shown to lower stress by reducing the hormone cortisol.
Fiona Maria, the facilitator of the group singing organization called Sing High Sing Low, says she sees this happen all the time. “Every time I run a workshop, I see people moved and their mental loads lightened. To sing together takes us back to our ancient roots. It calms our nerves and lifts our spirits.”
Fiona has observed many people in her singing workshops going on to feel more empowered in their daily lives. Teenagers, for example, report feeling more courage and comfort in their social lives.
“[Group singing] gifts people with a newfound sense of self. I’m honored to be able to both witness and facilitate these experiences for others,” says Fiona.
How You Can Add Music to Your Life
You don’t have to be a professional musician or spend hours creating playlists to feel the benefits of music. Here are a few ways to explore bringing more music into your daily life.
Listen while doing everyday tasks. Folding laundry? Walking to work or class? Put on an album or playlist that you enjoy.
Go to a concert. Look into upcoming concerts in your area using a search engine like Bandsintown.
Join a local music group. Don’t worry if you can’t sing or play an instrument. Many community groups welcome beginners, such as singing groups.
Make your own music. Use an app like GarageBand, available for free on Mac, or Audacity, for free on Mac and Windows, to make your own high-quality recordings — no instruments required.
Discover new music. Find something new with discovery tools and platforms like Every Noise at Once, Rate Your Music, or Gabb Music for kids and families.
Sing along to your favorite songs in VR. Check out Realize Music: Sing, an immersive experience singing app created by one of Medicinal Media’s co-founders.
For youth grappling with loneliness, music can be a powerful reminder that they are not as alone as they feel. Going to concerts, sharing music and making music with others can all help forge connections that words can often not express, and remind us that others are often feeling the same way.
While loneliness can feel overwhelming, it is important to remember that it is a shared human experience. Through music, it can be easier to understand that you are never truly alone.
Sonia Chien is a freelance writer and aspiring fiction author. She studied politics in her hometown of Boston, MA, before receiving her MA in Journalism in Berlin, Germany, where she currently lives. Sonia enjoys exploring new genres and debating hot takes.
Join us at our Spotify for a playlist of songs that stir the heart, curated by some kids from Mark Keppel Visual & Performing Arts elementary!
Aaron Sacco