Has streaming changed our enjoyment of music?

Streaming has changed the way we listen to music, allowing us to have unlimited access to millions of tracks with just a few clicks. According to a series of studies conducted by researchers at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University, there is a link between amassing tracks in virtual jukeboxes and the pleasure experienced when listening to music.

With platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, we have constant access to tens of millions of tracks wherever we are. As a result, we are spending more time listening to music than ever before. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) estimates that the average person spends 20.1 hours a week listening to music.

While streaming platforms are like giant jukeboxes, they are also redefining the notion of ownership. The songs we save in our playlists don’t really belong to us; they’re available to us as long as we have a subscription.

A research team from Bar-Ilan University has found that music lovers are less enthusiastic about music in the streaming age. To reach this conclusion, 40 volunteers answered questionnaires and took part in an experiment to assess their listening pleasure before and after “collecting” music.

This approach revealed that the abundance of songs available for free or at a low cost on streaming platforms has contributed to depreciating listeners’ subjective evaluation of music. In other words, music has lost some of its appeal now that it is ultra-accessible to a wide audience.

The researchers also found that study participants enjoyed the act of “collecting” music more than they found it burdensome. With streaming platforms, all we have to do is “like” the tracks that interest us to save them in our personal virtual jukebox or listen to playlists curated by powerful algorithms based on our musical tastes.

However, the researchers suggest that users of streaming platforms should take control of their musical experience by actively engaging in the act of collecting music themselves. They believe that by doing so, users can elevate their enjoyment levels and reignite their passion for music.

“By recognising the significance of music collection within the streaming era, a harmonious balance between algorithmic recommendations and personal curation can be achieved, leading to a reinvigorated and enriching musical journey,” said the researchers in a statement.

This study highlights the impact of streaming on our relationship with music and the need for users to actively participate in curating their own collection for a more satisfying musical experience.