Why Every Generation Swears Their Music Was Better?

It is pretty common for people to argue about which generation has produced the greatest music or films. Some people think that today’s songs are just noise, while others think older music sounds too slow. These opinions are not just based on personal taste. They are shaped by how the brain functions. Our perceptions of music and culture are influenced by certain mental shortcuts known as cognitive biases. Our perceptions of the past and present are influenced by these biases. Understanding them helps us better see why different generations favour different sounds and styles. 

How Our Love Is Shaped by Nostalgia 

Nostalgia is one of the main reasons why people continue to be drawn to music from their early years. Songs we hear during our teenage years or early twenties usually stay with us. This is because they are associated with emotional experiences such as heartbreaks, friendships, or liberating moments (Krumhansl & Zupnick, 2013).  According to a study, the music listened to between the ages of 10 and 30 is more likely to be remembered by the person. Compared to songs that we learn about later, these songs are emotionally more ingrained in our memory (Janssen et al., 2007). So, when people claim that older music had more meaning, they are actually stating that it meant more to them at the time. 

Read More: The Science of Sad Songs: Musical Elements That Trigger Tears

Believing What We Already Think: Confirmation Bias 

Confirmation bias occurs when we only pay attention to data or information that confirms our preexisting beliefs. If someone thinks new music is too repetitive or shallow, they will mostly notice songs that fit that idea. At the same time, they will ignore songs that might prove otherwise (Nickerson, 1998).  This bias can lead us to form strong opinions without exploring all sides. Hip-hop and electronic music might not be given a fair chance by someone who grew up listening to 80s rock. They filter new content through their preexisting belief that older styles were superior. 

Why Things That Are Familiar Feel Better 

There is also something called the mere exposure effect. This is the idea that the more we hear or see something, the more we tend to like it. Even if we initially disliked a song, style, or performance, we frequently find that it becomes more enjoyable after repeated exposure (Zajonc, 2001). Because it is unfamiliar, we may initially feel uneasy when we hear a new genre of music or observe a new trend. People usually go with what feels comfortable. That is why new culture can feel strange, and older content feels more natural, even if it is not actually better. 

Read More: The Influence of Movies and Music on Mental Health

Preferring the Old: Status Quo Bias 

Status quo bias makes people prefer things that stay the same. This is the reason behind many older listeners sticking with radio or CDs despite easier options being available. Since they are used to a certain way of enjoying music, changing that can feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar (Samuelson & Zeckhauser, 1988).  It is not just about the tools people use. It also has to do with the emotional routines they have built around those tools. For example, a person might listen to the same playlist every Sunday morning because it reminds them of a peaceful time. Switching to something new might feel like breaking a personal tradition. 

Seeing the Past Through a Soft Lens 

People often describe a certain time in their life as a “golden period” for music or movies. This happens because of something called the halo effect. If they had a favourite aspect of that era, such as a certain singer or movie, they began to think that everything else from that time period was also excellent (Thorndike, 1920).  This thinking can make it harder to enjoy newer content. A person may never give a new artist a fair chance if they are always comparing them with an old favourite. The past becomes a fixed standard by which everything is evaluated. 

Read More: How Music Nostalgia Boosts your Mental Health 

Music as a Reflection of Identity 

Music is more than just sound to many people. It also has to do with who they are. The youth today tends to enjoy genres like K-pop or lo-fi beats more as these styles speak to their lives and experiences, serving as a way of expressing who they are and how they feel (North & Hargreaves, 1999).  Even for older generations, the same holds. The songs loved by them in their childhood remind them of who they were, what they believed, and how the world felt at the time. Their musical taste is tied to their identity. Letting go of that music can sometimes feel like letting go of a part of themselves. 

Thus, We Can Conclude That… 

How our mind works has a profound impact on our perceptions of music and culture. Biases like nostalgia, confirmation bias, and preference for familiarity all have an influence on our formation of these opinions. These are neither bad nor out of the ordinary. Rather, they are just part of being human. But once we are aware of them, it can help us become more open to different styles and voices. Just because we like something new does not mean we have to give up what we love. It simply means expanding our world a little more!

FAQs 

1. Why do older people often say that today’s music isn’t as good as the past?

This belief is often shaped by nostalgia and confirmation bias. Songs from one’s youth are linked to powerful emotions and memories, which makes them feel more meaningful. As we age, we’re also more likely to focus on what confirms our belief that the past was better. 

2. Are younger generations also biased about their music? 

Yes. Every generation is affected by the same mental shortcuts. Just like older generations cling to their music, younger listeners might believe their styles are more creative or relevant, often overlooking the value in older genres. 

3. Is there any research that proves our music taste gets “locked in” during youth?

Yes. Studies like Krumhansl and Zupnick (2013) and Janssen et al. (2007) show that people are more emotionally connected to music they heard between the ages of 10 and 30. These songs tend to stay with us the longest. 

4. Can we change our preferences over time? 

Absolutely. The brain can grow to like new things through repeated exposure. Being open and curious helps. With time and familiarity, even unfamiliar music can become enjoyable. 

5. Is it wrong to prefer music from one generation over another? 

Not at all. Preference is natural. But understanding the psychological reasons behind it can help reduce judgment and increase appreciation for different kinds of music and culture.