PubHawk
February 2011 PMID 21217764

Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music.

Valorie N Salimpoor, Mitchel Benovoy, Kevin Larcher, Alain Dagher, Robert J Zatorre

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Mentions

619
Peak: 8 in Mar 2023
across 6 sources since Jul 2019

Extended reach

105,847
potential audience

Total likes

4,199

Video views

74,852

Mentions per month

Jul 2019 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

  • Facebook284 posts
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  • Blogs50 articles
  • X / Twitter18 posts
  • Reddit12 posts
  • YouTube7 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Overall, the discussion shows a strong interest in how music influences the brain, supported by mentions of dopamine release and references to scientific research, such as the detailed citation of the Salimpoor et al. (2011) study. The tone is mostly positive and curious, with some examples like users reacting enthusiastically—'Definitely!'—and sharing multimedia content that emphasizes the relevance and curiosity about the neural effects of music.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions reflect agreement or positive recognition of the study's findings, with some explicitly referencing dopamine and emotional responses to music, indicating support for the reported conclusions.

InterestHigh interest

Many posts show high interest, discussing the neurochemical effects of music, sharing related videos, and referencing the study directly, demonstrating engagement with the subject matter.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts include sharing of videos, citing scientific research, and personal reactions, suggesting a moderate but meaningful level of engagement beyond surface-level interest.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions note the significance of the research by mentioning its potential influence on understanding emotions, the brain, and possibly even music therapy, which reflects a recognition of its broader impact.

Abstract in brief

  • The study shows that listening to emotionally powerful music triggers dopamine release in the brain's striatum, which is linked to feelings of pleasure and craving.
  • Researchers used specialized brain imaging techniques to distinguish dopamine activity during two phases: anticipation of the music and the peak emotional experience, finding different brain regions involved in each phase.
  • The findings suggest that the excitement of anticipating music and the actual moment of peak pleasure activate separate parts of the brain, helping explain why music is so universally valued and emotionally impactful.
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Gaël Fortin
@FortinGael · X

Nouvelle vidéo de #Labologie La musique agirait-elle sur notre cerveau

Mar 11, 2023 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 276 followers View post →
Café des sciences (fermé)
@cafe_sciences · X

La musique, une drogue ? Je le savais ! Je vais donc retourner aller me faire un rail de drone metal... par @FortinGael https://t.co/tpp7UjHc1I

Mar 13, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 19,172 followers View post →
Parents Voices in Wales CIC
@PCamhs · X

Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music | Nature Neuroscience https://t.co/LNtehbR7PP

Feb 18, 2025 · 1 like · 4,956 followers View post →
ta
@tachisto · X

@toshizumi1225 これもせやろー https://t.co/lMyFxBK4Tn

Jun 19, 2020 · 1 like · 1,348 followers View post →
IngeniousChiHuaHua
@IngeniousChi · X

#music, an abstract stimulus, can arouse feelings of euphoria and craving, similar to tangible #Rewards that involve the striatal dopaminergic system. https://t.co/t3WTGalwN5

Jan 14, 2021 · 1 like · 841 followers View post →
Gaël Fortin
@FortinGael · X

Ma dernière vidéo en partenariat avec @MaadDigital et @ArbreDC est sortie samedi ? Commencez la semaine avec une bonne dose de Céline Dion (ou de Booba, au choix)

Mar 13, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 276 followers View post →

All mentions

引佐龍成
@inasa_r · X

@miz7fff 論文内の引用論文に以下のものがありますね  (2011) Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nat Neurosci 14:257–262. doi:10.1038/nn.2726 pmid:21217764

Jul 15, 2025 · 554 followers View post →
Parents Voices in Wales CIC
@PCamhs · X

Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music | Nature Neuroscience https://t.co/LNtehbR7PP

Feb 18, 2025 · 1 like · 4,956 followers View post →
Gaël Fortin
@FortinGael · X

RT @FortinGael: Nouvelle vidéo de #Labologie La musique agirait-elle sur notre cerveau

Mar 16, 2023 · 2 shares · 276 followers View post →
Gaël Fortin
@FortinGael · X

RT @cafe_sciences: La musique, une drogue ? Je le savais ! Je vais donc retourner aller me faire un rail de drone metal... par @FortinGae…

Mar 13, 2023 · 1 share · 276 followers View post →
Café des sciences (fermé)
@cafe_sciences · X

La musique, une drogue ? Je le savais ! Je vais donc retourner aller me faire un rail de drone metal... par @FortinGael https://t.co/tpp7UjHc1I

Mar 13, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 19,172 followers View post →
3,9 le podcast - par Smartjeunes
@3virgule9 · X

RT @FortinGael: Ma dernière vidéo en partenariat avec @MaadDigital et @ArbreDC est sortie samedi ? Commencez la semaine avec une bonne d…

Mar 13, 2023 · 1 share · 43 followers View post →
Gaël Fortin
@FortinGael · X

Ma dernière vidéo en partenariat avec @MaadDigital et @ArbreDC est sortie samedi ? Commencez la semaine avec une bonne dose de Céline Dion (ou de Booba, au choix)

Mar 13, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 276 followers View post →
3,9 le podcast - par Smartjeunes
@3virgule9 · X

RT @FortinGael: Nouvelle vidéo de #Labologie La musique agirait-elle sur notre cerveau

Mar 11, 2023 · 2 shares · 43 followers View post →
Gaël Fortin
@FortinGael · X

Nouvelle vidéo de #Labologie La musique agirait-elle sur notre cerveau

Mar 11, 2023 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 276 followers View post →
Amar Joshi
@AmarJoshi9 · X

@BowTiedBull Definitely! https://t.co/tW83EB3LfA

Feb 4, 2023 · 368 followers View post →
ILMPI Wilayah II
@ILMPI_Wil2 · X

Salimpoor, V. N., Benovoy, M., Larcher, K., Dagher, A., & Zatorre, R. J. (2011). Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nature Neuroscience, 14(2), 257–262. doi:10.1038/nn.2726

Jan 31, 2023 · 1,800 followers View post →
adelalimon
@adelalimon · X

Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music

May 3, 2022 · 2 followers View post →
Nima Boobard
@NimaBoobard · X

Based on studies, increases in #dopamine are due to the melodic #music — not specific #lyrics https://t.co/4ZScT0P7eW

Feb 19, 2022 · 4 followers View post →
IngeniousChiHuaHua
@IngeniousChi · X

#music, an abstract stimulus, can arouse feelings of euphoria and craving, similar to tangible #Rewards that involve the striatal dopaminergic system. https://t.co/t3WTGalwN5

Jan 14, 2021 · 1 like · 841 followers View post →
PlenaMente
@PlenamentePeru · X

-Salimpoor, V., Benovoy, M., Larcher, K. et al. Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nat Neurosci 14, 257–262 (2011).

Sep 15, 2020 · 1 followers View post →
ta
@tachisto · X

@toshizumi1225 これもせやろー https://t.co/lMyFxBK4Tn

Jun 19, 2020 · 1 like · 1,348 followers View post →
aki310
@fox_aki310ooooo · X

Salimpoor VN et al.（2011） Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nat Neurosci 14（2）: 257-62 お気に入り音楽を聞いている時の脳の状態をＰＥＴとＭＲＩで測定 →線条体、側坐核からドーパミン沢山分泌

Jan 20, 2020 · 694 followers View post →
Alan HuICo
@AlanHuICo · X

FBpost;rl? Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music: https://t.co/kK1cFDh5UL

Jul 12, 2019 · 47 followers View post →