The other day I watched a film with my friend. There was an upbeat song during the end credits that made me feel an unexpected surge of excitement; that beautiful feeling when you walk out of the theaters and have this random boost of motivation, except this was because of a song. However, my friend wasn’t so fond of it. Which is okay, everyone has their opinions; but it got me thinking, why are we drawn to certain types of music? What does it say about us psychologically? Does it reflect our personality?

So, I did some research; diving into the most listened to genres and what it says about people. Studies show that personality and mindset do indeed play a huge role in music taste, but it isn’t the sole factor. Your background, country, and how you were brought up are all vital roles too. Although it cannot be a hundred percent accurate—since psychology is a maze with way too many twists and turns—I hope it fuels your curiosity the way it did mine.

Here are a few of the top music genres worldwide:

1. Hip-hop/Rap
Hip-Hop or rap lovers are often mischaracterized, being seen as violent or gang-like. However, this isn’t the case at all. The participants in the study are shown to have high self-esteem, being more outgoing than most of the others surveyed and filled with empathy.

– Originality & Creativity: Since this genre relies on wordplay and storytelling, those who listen value their creative outlet. Their cognitive ability to analyze metaphors in music is phenomenal; digging up the deeper meaning behind what seems like regular lyrics to the public eye.

– Socially Conscious: Hip-hop/rap songs usually focus on injustice or actual ideas happening in our world, making it easy for fans of this genre to resonate or feel for others.

– Assertive/Confident

2. Rock
I remember thinking when I was younger that rock was a loud, angry type of music; yet, as I grew older it grew on me. Despite the genre itself, fans who typically listen to rock are gentle souls: introverts focusing on emotional depth.

– Low Self-Esteem: Statistically, most who listen to this genre begin at their teens, which makes sense; it’s a state of vulnerability and self-discovery.

– Rebellion & Emotional Resonance: For the longest time rock has been tied to challenging authority or having a sense of independence; again, tying to your teen years. Even with older fans who have listened to the classics, rock mirrors their complex feelings and serves as a form of nostalgia.

– Authenticity: Rock is a huge form of self-expression and staying true to who you are; fans in this genre don’t hold back around the right people, and although challenged with social norms remain being themselves despite their low self-esteem.

3. Pop
Pop lovers are described as honest and conventional. People who usually listen to pop are goal-driven; it’s hard to break their hardworking spirit. They’re extroverted and carry a high self-esteem—their personality sticks out in a sunshine-like way. However, when compared to the others surveyed, they’re a little less creative, following popular, fast-moving media.

– Sensitivity: Despite their extroverted personality, research suggests that they are generally more anxious when compared to others from different genres.

– Emotionally Intelligent/Expressive: This genre specifically focuses on universal heartbreaks and celebrations from various areas of the world; common messages that can be understood no matter where you are. This makes listeners open and emotionally intelligent, as well as culturally inclusive.

– Socially Engaged/Trend-Oriented

4. Country
Characterized by their hardworking nature, country fans are a little similar to pop fans; both hold a conventional, outgoing nature. Country fans are more conservative, though, focusing on themselves and are typically emotionally stable.

– Traditionalist: When compared to its music peers, research suggests that they aren’t open to new experiences as much as other people. They favor tradition and sticking to their values/community.

– Loyal & Family Oriented: Country fans are big on community and family; they value the connections to those around them.

– Authentic

5. Indie
Indie lovers are introverted, intellectual, and creative; but when put in contrast to country or pop, they’re less hardworking/goal oriented. Instead, they’re more ‘discovery oriented.’

–“Creator”: More likely to want to discover new artists that stray away from mainstream media; they prefer to remain authentic and create their own personal identity.

– Introspective/Reflective: Self-aware and often examine their own thoughts.

– Open to new experiences

6. EDM
EDM, unlike some other genres, generally matches up with its name. Fans of this genre are filled with spontaneous bursts of energy—matching up to its upbeat, party-like tune.

–Sensation-Seeking: Fans in this genre are constantly on the high-side of things; they crave the thrill and excitement not just in life but especially music. That is reflected through their personality; concerts and festivals are an EDM lover’s dream.

–Extraversion

–Assertive

7. K-Pop
People who are a fan of K-Pop have a sweet tooth for energetic, stress-relieving music—most people in this genre have an openness to diverse cultures and find empowerment through the simplest yet beautiful things.

–Commitment: K-Pop fans are dedicated individuals who don’t stray away easily from their goals; through their love for this genre, they’re able to confide in it and feel inspired by giving themselves a dose of self-love.

–Passion & Open Mindfulness

-Connection/Community

8. Latin
Latin fans are by far one of the most passionate people, especially when it comes to their love for cultural heritage! Most listeners come from Spanish-speaking countries, but even those who don’t manage to catch your eye.

-Sense of Identity: Strong, proud individuals who aren’t afraid to emphasize where they’re from and what they’re about—they’re family-oriented people with a genuine heart.

–Cultural Connections

–Social & Diverse

While music can only say so much about who you are, it does offer a glimpse into your personality and why you’re drawn to a particular genre. It isn’t to be taken seriously, but it is certainly something worth thinking about. Think about your friends who are drawn to particular genres—do you see these traits in them? All kinds of different factors determine who you are; music is simply a piece of the puzzle.

References: verywellmind.com, ourmusicworld.com, looperearplugs.com, nonggol-darapati.medium.com, merriam-webster.com, utdailybeacon.com, lajoyalink.com, www.billboard.com