More Than You Know: Music Genre and Personality
- samuel narthawie
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
We live side-by-side with music. We listen to it in the car, as we’re cooking, even in the shower! But what does the music tell us about us? That may not be something we think about too much, but our personality may play a bigger part in what we listen to!
Music Genre and Your Character
Though not an absolute way to determine character, how we are as a person could be the reason why we listen to one genre of music more than others. Based on some research, here is what your music genre can say about your personality.
- Classical Music: Creative, open-minded, and quite introverted. Classical music lovers tend to be at ease with themselves, with a penchant for deep and thought-provoking conversations.
Country and Folk Music: Conservative and hardworking, those are the Country and Folk music listeners. They are also outgoing, warm, and conventional.
Pop: Extroverted and cheerful, listeners of Pop usually love a good hangout and meeting new people!
Heavy Metal: Despite the bias against Heavy Metal, their listeners are adventurous, gentle, even a bit introverted in some cases!
Jazz: Jazz listeners are usually emotionally stable. They are also creative and intelligent.
Electronic: Innovative and adaptable, lovers of Electronic music tend to love trying new things and are easy in accepting change.
MBTI and Music
The 16 Personalities is a widely known personality test, and yes, based on a survey, these 16 Personalities also have their preferred music genres!
If you are INTP (Logician), INFP (Mediatorof), and ISTP (Virtuosos), you might have an inkling of Punk.
ENTJ (Commanders), ENFJ (Protagonists), and ENFP (Campaigners) have a high liking towards Jazz.
INTJ (Architects) and ENTP (Debaters) love listening to Classical Music.
ISFP (Adventurers) and ESTP (Entrepreneurs) might like Reggae.
ESFP (Entertainers) and ESTJ (Executives) have a tendency to blast some Hip-Hop!
Though not all 16 are listed, it is obvious that music and personality have such a tight bond. That may be why we get so protective when others criticize our music taste; they indirectly criticize us as well!
Music and Our Age
Not only personality, but age also plays a role in what we listen to. We start having a distinct music taste around our teen days, which is a time when self-exploration and social identity are being explored and built.
Some researchers found that people have a special connection with music that they loved during adolescence. That’s why those songs from when we were in high school are such hits in our hearts, years after we graduated.
Music and Mental Wellbeing
Music is such a big part of our life that sometimes its benefits are overlooked. Based on one article, here are some of its many benefits.
Reducing stress levels.
Improving memory.
Improving quality sleep.
Increasing motivation.
Improving mood.
Not only does music entertain and motivate, but it also has many positive effects on your mental well-being!
Conclusion
Our personhood and music seem to be more intertwined than we thought! Researchers and psychologists are still studying whilst using music as a means to help others. Music is in our lives so deep that it has an impact on our personality. Having a preferred genre is great; still, try and expand your styles of music. Maybe you’ll find something new about yourself!
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