>>40687593 (OP)Might have something to do with control for videogames. Unlike reality, they have defined rules and a structured framework that you can manipulate in a predictable way? Makes you feel like you have power when real life refuses you, and always does what you want if you master it's mechanics/system. Like anti-chaos.
I think humans have learned a lot about music theory and how to produce tracks that have an addicting(?) quality to them, they are like mathematically calculated in way for high popularity/catchiness. People return because its never changing, consistent and likely has a effect on mood/dopamine. Too many listens to a song/album burns out that specific pathway temporarily, but there is always another similar track available, different enough to get a response from the reward system again. You end up with an infinite loop that you can easily modify to your personal tastes, control again in a sense.
Depending on how you perceive/interpret lyrics/spoken words and singing along seems to have additional effects. Like repeating a mantra, fusing the emotional states and ideologies of the artist(s) with yours.
Maybe it's our understanding of mathematics and how to manipulate them to create something perceived as symmetrical(?) and cohesive, which satisfies humanities search for order in the chaos we live in, coupled with the passiveness of the activities. Certainly seems like a control tactic, but maybe it didn't start that way, just got appropriated by those who would turn creativity and art into pure profit, which in turn uncovered it's immense potential for manipulation.
