Why do old people dislike new music? As I’ve grown older, I often hear people my age say they just don’t make good music like they used to. Why does this happen? Luckily, psychology can give us some insights into this puzzle. Musical tastes begin to become clear as early as age 13 or 14. By the time we’re in our early 20s, these tastes get locked into place pretty firmly.
In fact, studies have found that by the time we turn 33, most of us have stopped listening to new music. Meanwhile, popular songs released when you’re in your early teens are likely to remain quite popular among your age group for the rest of your life.
There could be a biological explanation for this, as there’s evidence that the brain’s ability to make subtle distinctions between different chords, rhythms, and melodies weakens with age. So to older people, newer, less familiar songs might all “sound the same.”
But there are maybe some simpler reasons for older people’s dislike to newer music. One of the most researched laws of social psychology is something called the “mere exposure effect”, which in essence means that the more we’re exposed to something, the more we tend to like it.
This happens with people we know, the advertisements we see and, the songs we listen to. When you’re in your early teens, you probably spend a fair amount of time listening to music or watching music videos. Your favorite songs and artists become familiar, comforting parts of your routine.
For many people over 30, job and family obligations increase, so there’s less time to spend discovering new music. Instead, many will simply listen to old, familiar favorites from that period of their lives when they had more free time.
Psychology research has shown that the emotions that we experience as teens seem more intense than those that come later. And we also know that intense emotions are associated with stronger memories and preferences. Both of these might explain why the songs we listen to during this period become so memorable and beloved.
So there’s nothing wrong with your parents because they don’t like your music. Rather it’s all part of the natural order of things.
36. What have studies found about most people by the time they turn 33?
A.They no longer listen to new music. |
B.They find all music sounds the same. |
C.They can make subtle distinctions about music. |
D.They seldom listen to songs released in their teens. |
37. Which of the following situations agrees with the “mere exposure effect”?
A.Tom likes the book, so he reads it more times. |
B.Andy recites the words repeatedly and he is fed up with them. |
C.Mike often listens to the same song and becomes more and more interested in it. |
D.Peter goes to school by bike every day, and therefore his riding skills are better and better. |
38. What conclusion can we draw according to the psychology research?
A.Teenagers are much more sensitive. | B.Teenagers are much more emotional. |
C.Teenagers’ preferences are more lasting. | D.Teenagers’ emotions are more intense. |
39. What is mainly discussed in this passage?
A.Quality issues of new music. | B.Older people’s dislike of new music. |
C.Older people’s changing musical tastes. | D.Insights into the features of good music. |