Cross-Cultural Music Behaviors

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to strengthen prior research on music induced behaviors across cultures and to analyze whether there are consistent patterns in the behavioral responses. This process allows for the curation of practical insights for UX/UI designers and developers to create more immersive and culturally resonant digital experiences. There is a sizable amount of research on the correlation between music and behavioral responses, however, the subject needs further observation with respect to the interdisciplinary fields of psychology, musicology, and user experience design. Research shows that the number of internet users are expected to increase over the years. As the intersection of music and technology becomes increasingly integral to global connectivity, it is beneficial to incorporate music that aligns with positive emotions thereby enhancing user engagement and satisfaction while also avoiding content that might be triggering, offensive or discomforting to certain cultural groups. The selection of music genres for this study was carefully curated to encompass a diverse range of cultural influences and emotional responses, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of cross-cultural patterns in music-induced behavior. A pre-study questionnaire was given to all participants for an initial screening of their musical opinions along with their demographic information followed by the execution of the study. During and after the music exposure, the behavioral reactions such as facial expressions, body language, and self-reported verbal responses of participants were observed and recorded. After the musical stimuli, a post-study questionnaire was given to participants. Both questionnaires were compared along with their behavioral responses. The outcomes of this study not only validated prevailing principles in music-induced behavioral responses but also revealed additional insights into the distinct behaviors and perceptions displayed by individuals with varied cultural backgrounds while interacting with various music genres.