The Surprising Connection Between Music Preferences and Moral Values

A recent study published in PLOS One has found a connection between people's moral values and their musical preferences. Researchers analyzed the musical preferences and moral values of 1,480 participants, using machine learning algorithms to predict moral values based on lyrical content and audio features of preferred songs. The study revealed that individuals who value care and fairness tend to prefer songs with lyrics revolving around themes of care and joy, while those who prioritize loyalty, authority, and purity are drawn to lyrics discussing fairness, sanctity, and love. Surprisingly, the study also found that the musical attributes of songs, such as danceability and acoustic qualities, can reflect an individual's moral values. However, the study's findings may not be universally applicable due to the data primarily coming from Facebook users in Italy and the focus on English-language songs.