You've been humming the tune of that song for the entire day now and can't still get it out of your head? You might be experiencing the Last Song Syndrome (LSS) or what experts call earworms, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Experts have been dedicating time to study the science that surrounds it. Many of neuroscientists and cognitive psychologists who are involved in the study are trying to figure out what makes the memory of a song stays in one mind for a long time and which part of the human brain exceeds one's ability to control.
Lauren Stewart, a psychologist and founder of the master's program in music, mind and brain at Goldsmiths, University of London said, "The idea that we have full control over our thought processes is an illusion." Most of the findings about earworms were brought by results from questionnaires, surveys and lab experiments since the Last Song Syndrome occurs uncertainly and analysts cannot see what goes on inside the brain when earworms occur.
A study by Dr. Stewart also shows that people mostly have earworms when the mind is idling or at times of "low cognitive load", such times are when you are showering, walking or doing chores. Dr. Stewart compares earworms to "sonic screen savers" which stimulates the brain when it is bored.
The experiment was done by inviting participants to listen to trailers from James Bond movies and "Pretty Woman" then letting them perform certain activities after. The result of the study showed that volunteers who mostly noted that the music was stuck in their heads were those who sat idly after a short period of time following the test.
Researchers from England's University of Reading gave one effective suggestion to get rid of earworms-chew a gum. Dr. Philip Beaman led a study that proves this claim. The study was conducted by having 98 participants listened to 'Play Hard' by David Guetta and 'Payphone' by Maroon 5. Those who chewed gum after listening to the memorable music less likely played the music repeatedly in their heads. Singing and thinking of other songs while having earworms and focusing on activities that call serious attention also help in getting rid of Last Song Syndrome (LSS).
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