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VOL. 2, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Evolution of musical preferences among youth: A comparative study of old and modern music
Authors
Santanu Tewari
Abstract
Music is an important
component of individual identity, emotional expression, social interaction, and
cultural continuity. The rapid expansion of digital media and streaming
platforms has substantially increased access to music from different periods,
potentially changing the relationship between younger listeners and older
musical traditions. The present cross-sectional study examined preferences for
old and modern music and explored the factors associated with these
preferences. Data from 100 respondents were analyzed using demographic
characteristics, music-listening frequency and duration, overall music
preference, 14 five-point Likert-scale items, reasons for musical preference,
and willingness to continue or recommend the preferred music. The sample
comprised 74% females and 26% males, with 65% residing in rural areas and 35%
in urban areas. Postgraduate respondents constituted the largest educational
group (47%). Overall, 81% of respondents reported an equal preference for old
and modern music, 15% preferred old music, and only 4% preferred modern music
exclusively. Lyrics (25%) were the most frequently reported reason for music
preference, followed by emotional connection (20%), melody (15%), and cultural
value (13%). A large majority of respondents (83%) indicated that they would
continue or recommend their musical preference. The overall mean score across
the 14 Likert items was 4.18 ± 0.42, indicating generally favorable responses.
A significant difference was observed in total Likert scores across the three
preference groups (Kruskal–Wallis H = 11.83, p = 0.003), although the small
size of the modern-music-only group limits interpretation. The findings suggest
that contemporary listeners do not necessarily replace older music with modern
music; instead, many demonstrate an integrative preference in which lyrics,
melody, emotional connection, rhythm, and cultural value contribute to musical
choice. Because the study is cross-sectional and includes respondents outside
the conventional youth age range, longitudinal research among strictly defined
youth populations is recommended.
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Pages:37-42
How to cite this article:
Santanu Tewari "Evolution of musical preferences among youth: A comparative study of old and modern music". World Journal of Social Science and Humanities, Vol 2, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 37-42
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