Manipulation through background music

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2008 in the subject Musicology, grade: 2, University of Graz, language: English, abstract: The article deals with the different kinds of manipulation of background music on the human
being. Several studies are discussed about the consequences of background music on decision
making, driving, buying, eating at a restaurant, etc. The question about the possibilities of an
escape from the influence of music is asked and discussed. At first the functions and
mechanisms of background music are elaborated, before the effects on the human being are
discussed. Subsequently tests are presented about the various influences of background music
in order to achieve control of people. Furthermore the controversies about the famous Mozart-
Effect are taken into consideration. It is also interesting to know how background music has
an impact on the physical body. To explain this phenomenon the working mechanisms of the
brain are illuminated by including the latest findings about brain and music in the last months.
This article ends with some concrete suggestions how to overcome being influenced and
manipulated by background music.