Manipulation Through Background Music

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2008 in the subject Musicology, grade: 2, University of Graz, language: English, abstract: The article deals with the different kinds of manipulation of background music on the human being. Several studies are discussed about the consequences of background music on decision making, driving, buying, eating at a restaurant, etc. The question about the possibilities of an escape from the influence of music is asked and discussed. At first the functions and mechanisms of background music are elaborated, before the effects on the human being are discussed. Subsequently tests are presented about the various influences of background music in order to achieve control of people. Furthermore the controversies about the famous Mozart- Effect are taken into consideration. It is also interesting to know how background music has an impact on the physical body. To explain this phenomenon the working mechanisms of the brain are illuminated by including the latest findings about brain and music in the last months. This article ends with some concrete suggestions how to overcome being influenced and manipulated by background music.