Deep Focus or Deep Distraction? Listening to Music While Working May Be Doing You More Harm Than Good

PARIS: With the rise of streaming platforms, listening to music while working has become a reflex, whether working from home or in the office.

A Mixed Bag of Research Results

However, research on the subject has produced mixed results. While some music boosts memory and concentration, other kinds – especially with lyrics or an overly complex structure – can actually distract the listener.

A Study on the Impact of Music on Concentration

To get a clearer picture, American researchers conducted a study on 196 volunteers recruited online.

The Study’s Findings

Each participant was exposed for 10 minutes to one of the following four sound environments: a “work flow” music playlist, a “deep focus” playlist, hits of the moment or recreated office background noise.

The researchers found that only the “work flow” music improved the speed and accuracy of the participants while enhancing their well-being. This type of music is characterised by a moderate tempo, a clear melody and simple harmonies, without words.

Other Sound Environments Have No Positive Effect

On the other hand, the “deep focus” tracks, often too slow and monotonous, as well as the popular hits with overly stimulating rhythms, had no positive effect on concentration.

The Flanker Task: A Cognitive Psychology Test

Participants were assessed using a Flanker task, a cognitive psychology test that measures selective attention and the speed of information processing.

The Results

Those who had listened to “work flow” music obtained better results and 76% of them even said they felt more relaxed after the exercise, compared to less than half in the other groups.

The Link Between Emotional State and Cognitive Performance

One of the most striking discoveries of this study is the link between emotional state and cognitive performance. The more the participants’ mood improved, the more their concentration and speed of execution increased.

Well-being + Productivity = A Winning Combination

Conversely, current hits, despite their lively energy, had no significant impact on productivity or morale. The same was true for office noise, used as a neutral reference.

The Effectiveness of Concentration Playlists

These findings call into question the effectiveness of the famous “concentration” playlists commonly found on streaming platforms.

Conclusion

Well-chosen music can really boost productivity, but it’s still important to choose songs with a steady, structured rhythm that can stimulate without distracting.

FAQs

Q: What kind of music is most effective for concentration?
A: Music with a moderate tempo, a clear melody, and simple harmonies, without words, is most effective for concentration.

Q: What kind of music is least effective for concentration?
A: Music with lyrics or an overly complex structure, as well as popular hits with overly stimulating rhythms, are least effective for concentration.

Q: Can music boost productivity?
A: Yes, music can boost productivity, but only if chosen carefully, with a steady, structured rhythm that can stimulate without distracting.