How do images and music create intense feelings in people? You've probably received an email forward that had an automated powerpoint presentation with incredible photos and either uplifting or tear jerking music. Well this website, Moodstream, allows you to control basic affect elements and then will show images and play music that matches the specific 'mood' you've specified. Try it. What do you think? Did you feel differently given the different settings you tried? What real (ie, scientific) aspects of mood and emotion is it tapping into? The main webpage says that these different mood streams can affect behavior in terms of brainstorming and creativity. What do you think?
I actually enjoyed the website. It's amazing how much music can affect the mood that you are in. To me it makes sense, though, because when you think about the world that we live in today, there is always music around that relates to how people are feeling. We hear sad music at funerals, upbeat/exciting music at clubs, happy/mushy music at weddings, relaxing music at spas, and so forth. Music surrounds us and relates to the mood that we are either in already or the mood that we want to be in. After messing around with the website, I did feel different moods come on, although, some of them such as the intensity and excitement, were about the same for me.
I think that the music affects our mood because it reminds us of different situations that we may have experienced, good or bad, and also experiences that maybe we are excited for. When we add photos to the music, it is like a video and we can put ourselves in the situation that is being represented. For example, country music tends to make people sad and they experience negative affect, because a lot of the time its slower music and people can relate to the experiences being described in the lyrics. An article that I found http://musicouch.com/musicouching/does-music-affect-your-mood/ also talked about music reminding you of past experiences and also how the brain is affected by the different intensities that each song presents and pairs it with different ideas and responses to the music, which ultimately would create a mood or an emotion.
I think that different mood streams can affect brainstorming and creativity based on my experience, but I am sure it's different for everyone. When I need to focus on homework, I can't have it completely quiet, but calming or happy music allows we to focus, whereas when I used to be an art major and worked on art projects alot in the studio, I would listen to upbeat and energetic music to get my creativity rolling. I think it all depends on the person.
Does anyone have any personal experiences on how music has affected their mood?