Neuroplastic Effects of Music and Lyrics on Emotional and Cognitive Processing in the Digital Generation

Author(s)	Ms. Nirjera Ranjith Menon, Dr. Remya Ranjith
Country	India
Abstract	Music is a powerful multisensory stimulus that influences emotional regulation, cognitive processing, and neural development. This study investigates the neuroplastic effects of music and lyrical exposure on emotional and cognitive functioning in adolescents aged 15–20 years. A quantitative study was conducted with 150 participants using a structured questionnaire assessing music listening habits, emotional responses, and cognitive effects. Results indicate that music significantly enhances emotional regulation, improves mood, and strengthens emotional connection. Instrumental music was found to improve focus, while lyrical music showed mixed effects on concentration. Participants also reported internal mental replay of music, suggesting long-term neural encoding. These findings support existing neuroscience research demonstrating that music promotes neuroplasticity by strengthening neural pathways associated with emotional and cognitive processing. However, excessive music exposure may contribute to cognitive distraction. The study highlights music’s significant role in shaping emotional and cognitive development in the digital generation.
Keywords	neuroplasticity, music, cognitive processing, emotional regulation, adolescents, digital generation
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-02-15

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International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research