Scientists have created the Emotion Equalization App that provides music therapy to patients by giving playlists according to their moods. The app monitors an individual’s mood and plays music based on the results. It could choose uplifting, consoling, or relaxing songs to help patients through their day.
The app comes as no surprise since scientists believe that music can alter a person’s emotional state. It can also keep their minds from negative thoughts. Moreover, music positively impacts mood, performance, and memory.
According to Man Hei Law, a study author from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, music is the universal language of humanity. It can affect the emotional and physical status. He points out that music can relieve both physical and emotional pain. For this reason, the team created the app as a first aid measure for negative emotional states.
Law states that the app is also a way to circumvent the stigma of getting therapy, as people can safely relieve negative emotions without feeling inadequacy or shame. He hopes that through music, the app can leave people in a better emotional state.
Law also explains how the app works. He states that the app gives users three questionnaires to evaluate their emotional state and create a playlist. Furthermore, the app uses pictures to assess an individual’s mood and energy levels. It describes energy levels as low, medium, or high. The mood, on the other hand, can be negative, neutral, or positive.
After determining how the users feel, the app creates a custom playlist in a certain sequence with one of three goals, to console, uplift or relax. These types of music have a different impact on the listener. For instance, uplifting music makes them more positive and high-energy. Soothing music, on the other hand, provides low energy and positive good, while consoling music reflects the listener’s state.
The researchers conducted experiments and found that music can improve the user’s mood. This study highlights how people could use music to benefit their mental health, thus improving their lives.