Music That Manipulates You
The revolutionary effect of Muzak on your mind
What do shopping malls and nightclubs have in common?
They both broadcast music…
And while it’s well-known why nightclubs play music, the secret agenda behind the melody wafting through shopping malls remains shrouded in mystery.
You may have guessed it, it’s a manipulation. A strategy developed in the years 1930s to motivate employees to work, and customers to buy.
Originally, this technique known as “Muzak” was not intended to deceive us. It was merely a discovery that we could transmit more than just energy through power lines.
And by “more than energy”, I’m referring to music.
This inspired M. Squier (the founder of Muzak) to create a business where he could get paid for broadcasting music in public places and companies. All he has to do is use his technique to transport music over telephone lines.
But let’s pause here so you realize what we’re talking about.
It’s so commonplace today that it’s hard to imagine. But there was a time when listening to recorded music was quite rare. No radio. No vinyl. No airpods.
Anyway…
Big success for M. Squier!
In restaurants, shopping malls, hospitals, offices, elevators, and factories… Soon Muzak is everywhere playing out without people noticing it.
It’s the Soundtrack of Daily Life
Now here comes the genius part.
Without knowing it, M. Squier provided relaxation to most of the US population.
No more awkward silence in the elevator. There is Muzak.
Forget about the noise of shopping carts and distant conversations in the mall. There is Muzak.
And when there is Muzak, employees tend to stay longer in the office.
But Muzak didn’t limit itself to playing random music through telephone lines in public places.
What If There Were Specific Types of Songs That Could Promote Certain Behaviors?
What if you could sell not only pleasant songs to your customers but also more productive employees and more generous buyers?
The answer is yes.
Studies have indicated that high-tempo music can make people more dynamic, while low-tempo music can help them relax.
But guys… We don’t need a study to find this out. And that’s where I’m heading with this post.
Music DOES Affect Human’s Mood
Muzak simply exploited before everyone what we’re all seeing today.
We’ve ALL played motivational music to energize our workouts.
We’ve ALL played lo-fi music to improve our focus.
And we’ve ALL played sad music when depressed.
Don’t take lightly the sounds that reach your ears.
It’s true for the things you produce for the world (if you’re a content creator).
But also applies to the things you hear from others (if you consume content creators’ stuff).
Music has an untapped power to influence your behavior.
So be sure that many won’t hesitate to manipulate music to serve their own agendas, just like Muzak did.
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-Julfi
