Have you ever been infected by an earworm?

India
May 29, 2010 2:03am CST
I am not talking of worms in ear, it is all about songs. Some 98 to 99 percent of the population has, at some point, been 'infected' with a song they just can't seem to shake off. Researchers in Canada have sought to examine the phenomenon. This common phenomenon had rarely been researched until Andreane McNally-Gagnon, doctoral student in psychology, University of Montreal (UM), decided to examine the issue in an ongoing investigation. In most cases, earworms (songs, jingles, and tunes that get stuck inside your head) disappear after a few minutes. In some cases, earworms can last hours or even days. McNally-Gagnon is also a musician, who is often infected, which is why she wanted to better understand how and why it occurs. The researchers found earworm infections last longer with musicians than with non-musicians. The phenomenon occurs when subjects are usually in a positive emotional state and keeping busy with non-intellectual activities such as walking, which requires little concentration. For starters, she asked French-speaking internet users to rank 100 pop songs according to their ability to be compulsively repeated within one's mind. The top five were: 'Singing in the Rain' (Gene Kelly), 'Live Is Life' (Opus), 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' (Bobby McFerrin), 'I Will Survive' (Gloria Gaynor) and, in first place, 'Ca fait rire les oiseaux' by Caribbean sensation La Compagnie Creole. These findings were published in Molecular Endocrinology So what about you, do you love music, hear to songs, are you infected by the so-called ‘ear worm’? I am fond of old Hindi movie sons of 60’s, and devotional songs, we call as ‘BHAJAN’ ; right now I am hearing it in low volume. Friends, please share your views on this. Happy posting, cheers, have a great day. Prof
3 people like this
5 responses
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
5 Jun 10
dear professor, someone to love is just the best song i always want to hear. http://video.tagged.com/#v=l-t_oPGVzBM i just love the lyrics. ann
1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
5 Jun 10
am happy. hope you enjoyed the song. ann
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
5 Jun 10
and thank you for choosing the response as BR.
• India
5 Jun 10
Thanks for sharing dear Ann. Welcome always. Cheers. Prof
1 person likes this
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
29 May 10
This bug often attacks me, and often also with songs from the sixties, and even the fifties. One on your list has been an offender on several occassions. Don't Worry, Be Happy, was popular when I used to have my kids every second weekend, and it often has infected me. It could well happen again today, and if it does, Professor, I know who to blame, don't I?
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
29 May 10
This is hard to believe! Just after I hit the 'post response' button, Don't Worry, Be Happy, started playing on my radio. Now it will be with me all day! What a coincidence!
1 person likes this
• India
5 Jun 10
So nice to hear this Mike Thanks for response. Welcome always. Cheers. Prof
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
29 May 10
La Bamba was one that stuck with me. also dont worry be happy. also Feliz nadeda
1 person likes this
• India
5 Jun 10
Thanks for sharing your likings madam. Welcome always. Cheers. Prof
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
5 Jun 10
your most welcome Sir!
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
29 May 10
hi professor oh yes I w ent around all one day singing and hymning the old Beatles song I Cant Help Falling In Love With YOu,it is one of those songs that is so easy to sing and the words just seem to sit right with the melody so it sings out beautifully. Like this " Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can't help falling in love with you." and no I am not in India but in America, I am an American and foond of old Beatlessongs.
1 person likes this
• India
5 Jun 10
Thanks for response my friend. Welcome always. Cheers. Prof
@ddaguno (3107)
• Philippines
29 May 10
I get the 'last song syndrome' all the time... Sometimes even songs I don't understand. My officemates listen to Hindi songs on our way to work and sometimes I find myself singing them even if I don't understand a word
1 person likes this
• India
5 Jun 10
You are right it is the tune of the songs.. Thanks. Welcome always. Cheers. Prof