Walking through campus, silence can be hard to find. Between conversations, videos playing, and students studying with AirPods in, many can’t go through the day without sound. Whether it’s during passing periods, classrooms, or homework, background noise has become a constant in their routines.
For teens today, having something playing in the background feels normal and natural. Music, podcasts, or videos often fill in the silence, even when they aren’t the main focus. Instead of getting things done in silence, teens choose to fill in the quiet with sound. Listening to music has been shown to help reduce stress and create a more relaxed environment. Research has also shown that listening to music you enjoy releases dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical, helping teens manage academic pressure and their routines.
Freshman Brianna Chan shared that music helps her stay focused while working.
“I always have music playing,” Chan said. “I focus better with music because it helps me feel calmer and less distracted. When it’s too quiet, my mind starts to wander, but music keeps me locked in. It makes it easier for me to stay on track and get my work done.”
This habit presents itself in many ways. Some students prefer listening to music without lyrics, such as jazz or instrumental playlists, to enhance their focus. Others listen to podcasts or YouTube videos to keep themselves entertained while working. Some students even choose to listen to white or brown noise to keep them on task in distracting places. Unlike music or videos, these consistent frequencies of sound can block out surrounding noise and make it easier to concentrate. Research shows that white noise may help people stay focused on tasks that require concentration, while brown noise soothes the mind and boosts productivity.
“I usually listen to music or podcasts while doing homework or studying,” said freshman Hannah Sun. “Most of the time, the background noise helps me with productivity because it keeps me from going on my phone and getting distracted.”
Background noise habits also carry into classrooms at Arcadia High School (AHS). Some students listen to music before class begins or during independent work time to help them focus. With it getting harder and harder to avoid background noise, it may show a reflection on how students approach productivity and concentration.
Freshman Chloe Gutierrez explains that listening to music helps her block out distractions.
“I focus better in a classroom when I’m listening to music,” said Gutierrez.
While some students find it helpful for staying focused, others use it to make tasks feel less daunting or boring. In this way, they use sound as a tool to boost productivity and enjoyment for assignments they may have wanted to avoid.
“I listen to music because it allows me to escape when I’m feeling upset and it brings me happiness when doing things like homework,” Gutierrez said.
Background noise for many students has become a huge part of daily life. Whether it’s music, podcasts, or videos, having something playing in the background has become part of every teen’s routine.
