Why learning a musical instrument could stave off ‘brain rot’ and help concentration
Research has suggested that learning a musical instrument can prevent “brain rot” and improve concentration in social media-addicted teenagers.
While parents and teachers have voiced concerns that social media is contributing to shortened attention spans, one study found that “formal music education is associated with superior attention and alertness” and suggested that music lessons could be the antidote.
to workPublished on , British Journal of Psychologyfound that children and young adults were less likely to lose focus during attention-demanding tasks if they had learned an instrument.
“Music education not only enriches cultural and emotional life, but can also contribute to the development of important cognitive abilities such as attention and alertness,” said Rafael Román-Caballero of McMaster University in Canada, who led the research. The Times.
For the research, 268 people aged between 8 and 34 were divided into two groups: musicians and non-musicians. They then completed computer-based tasks designed to put their attention span to the test.
The main task was for participants to watch a screen and decide whether a single arrow was pointing left or right, while being careful not to be distracted by other arrows placed around the screen.
Participants who received formal music training responded faster and showed fewer deficits in attention than those who did not take music lessons.
The findings come as children’s lives become increasingly saturated with social media, video streaming and smartphones; studies reveal that these erode their ability to concentrate.
A study in which Swedish and US researchers tracked children’s daily screen habits found that those who spent a “significant” amount of time using social media recorded a gradual decline in attention levels.
But the study’s authors suggested that music could help combat so-called “brain rot” because it requires learning rhythm, reading music, mastering technique and correcting mistakes.
“Like many cognitive abilities, attention can become more refined and efficient the more it is used,” Mr. Román-Caballero said.
But the researchers behind the study warned that the results were “moderate” and that music lessons would not lead to a “dramatic cognitive transformation”.
The study also concluded that “better attention may increase the likelihood that individuals will engage in music education, which may further improve attention skills.”
He emphasized that people with musical training may be “more willing to make an effort” and approach challenging tasks with more motivation.
“Music training in this sense will improve performance by changing musicians’ willingness to exertion, not their cognitive capacity,” the study authors added.
