Earworms: Why that song keeps playing in your head DW 02/05/2025
Briefly

Earworms, scientifically known as involuntary musical imagery (INMI), are repetitive snippets of music that capture our minds, often arising from emotions or external cues. They occur when the brain enters a default mode, connecting memories and experiences, and can happen even if one has not actively listened to a song. Interestingly, many individuals find earworms enjoyable, and they often relate to memories that unfold over time, unlike static memories. Professor Philip Beaman emphasizes the dual responses to earworms—either loving them or trying to dismiss them, both leading to their persistence in our thoughts.
Earworms, or involuntary musical imagery, are memories triggered by thoughts or cues, causing songs to replay in our minds, often reflecting emotional responses.
When not actively engaged in tasks, our brains enter a default mode, connecting ideas and memories, which often results in experiencing earworms.
Read at www.dw.com
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