Research participants faced a question when they arrived at an Amsterdam laboratory in 2020: Would they rather sing Adele’s “Hello” or “Let It Go” from the movie “Frozen?”
The songs were among four options offered by European scientists who asked volunteers to perform what some consider a nerve-racking activity: karaoke. Many participants smiled coyly, fidgeted and scratched their arms while singing, Milica Nikolić, one of the researchers, told The Washington Post.
But the scientists weren’t done embarrassing the volunteers. In the weeks after singing, the participants returned to the lab to watch a video of their performance while an MRI exam studied how much they blushed and which parts of their brains activated that blushing.
The resulting study, published Wednesday in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, found that most of the 40 participants blushed while watching themselves sing due to increased activity in the cerebellum, an area of the brain that has been found to help process emotions. The researchers said that the blushing was probably an automatic emotional response to feeling exposed.
Most people have blushed while feeling self-conscious, embarrassed or ashamed. Biologist Charles Darwin, who developed the theory of evolution, once called blushing “the most peculiar and the most human of all the expressions.”
Research has found that people blush when they watch videos of themselves that they find embarrassing. Nikolić, a professor of developmental psychopathology at the University of Amsterdam, and her fellow scientists thought participants might feel vulnerable while watching themselves sing karaoke. They selected a subject group with ages 16 through 20 because research has found that people in that age group are more likely to feel self-conscious about how they’re perceived.
For the music, they sought out songs that are hard to sing so that participants would be more likely to make a mistake and feel embarrassed, Nikolić said. Researchers also wanted the music to be popular among the subject group, she said, so the singers would notice their mistakes. They consulted music experts, who helped them rule out songs that might be too old for their subjects to spot those mistakes, such as ABBA’s 1975 hit “Mamma Mia.”
The researchers settled on four songs: “Hello” by Adele, “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey and “All The Things She Said” by Russian pop duo t.A.T.u.
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When the study began in the summer of 2020, participants visited the University of Amsterdam’s behavioral science lab, put on a pair of black headphones and sang the lyrics that appeared on a screen. Meanwhile, a camcorder filmed them.
The participants returned in the following weeks to lie in an MRI machine that examined their brains and the temperature of their cheeks. Blood flow to the face increases during blushing, causing the temperature of the skin to increase and the skin to become redder.
Before participants entered the tight MRI tube, researchers told them that other volunteers would also watch their singing performance, hoping that might make them more embarrassed.
While undergoing the MRI, participants watched a video of themselves singing and a video of another participant singing on a screen above them. They wore headphones to block the loud beeping noises the machine produced.
“We didn’t know if we would really be able to evoke any kind of blushing in a very small, dark room where there’s no audience,” Nikolić said.
But researchers found that many participants’ cheek temperature increased by about one degree while they watched the videos of themselves singing — an indication that they were blushing. When viewing videos of other participants singing, most of the volunteers didn’t blush, Nikolić said. The cerebellum was most active when participants watched themselves sing, leading researchers to believe they were most engaged then and blushed as a spontaneous reaction.
There’s still more to learn about blushing, Nikolić said. To better comprehend the behavior, she next plans to research blushing in young children who haven’t developed the cognitive skills to consider what other people think of them.
FAQs
Instead, they found that when participants blushed watching their own performances, there was activity in regions of the brain involved in emotions. This implies blushing is a spontaneous emotional response that comes from being socially exposed and does not require cognitive processing, the study said.
Why do people love karaoke so much? ›
"It's just got that atmosphere of everyone being able to enjoy the music they like and have a singalong. "It's very therapeutic for the soul." He says starting karaoke can be nerve-racking, especially as someone who does not drink, but he always ends up wishing it could go for longer.
Why do we love karaoke? ›
Whether you're blowing off steam after a particularly stressful day or simply looking for an excuse to let loose and have fun, karaoke nights offer the ideal combination of relaxation, camaraderie, and musical merriment.
Why do people think karaoke is fun? ›
There's something about having your voice amplified. Then you're singing your heart out to one of your favorite songs. I mean just listening to one of your favorite songs makes you feel good but belting it out with a microphone is two steps beyond. Then the applause when you're done – that's just amazing.
Why do we blush? ›
But a blush is different—it's not just an emotional response, it's also an emotional display and a way that I can communicate my emotional state to you. "Normally we blush when we feel embarrassment or shame, situations where we feel like we're being judged by others and perhaps found wanting.
What is the impact of karaoke in our society? ›
Karaoke is much more than just a form of entertainment. It has the power to unite people, boost confidence, and make a lasting impact on individuals and society as a whole. Through singing, we can improve our own well-being while also creating opportunities for connection and positive change.
What makes karaoke special? ›
Karaoke's popularity lies in its unique blend of accessibility, social interaction, personal expression, and entertainment value. It offers a stark contrast to traditional singing by prioritizing fun, participation, and community over technical perfection and performance.
Is karaoke good for Mental health? ›
Karaoke singing, in particular, offers a holistic mental workout that promotes overall brain health and creativity. Studies have shown that singing can improve your memory and even increase your IQ over time.
Why do old people like karaoke? ›
Social engagement: Karaoke is a fun and social activity that can help elderly individuals feel more connected to others and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Cognitive stimulation: Participating in karaoke can help stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function, memory, and language skills.
What is the purpose of karaoke? ›
The real function of karaoke is that it mutes the voice and shows one the lyrics so one can listen to the rest of the musical instruments along with reading the words to pronounce or sing. Thus, although karaoke was formerly used for singing, it is now also used to play an audio-book or to read scripts.
It takes considerable courage to stand up and sing in a room of people, but karaoke can help build up that confidence. As you sing, you can connect powerfully with the music, project your emotions and release tension in a creative form. Over time, karaoke becomes a way to shed your shyness and express yourself.
Is it OK to go to karaoke alone? ›
The great thing about walking into a karaoke bar alone — as opposed to a party — is that there is zero expectation to talk to anyone. Parties suck because that's the whole point: You've got to make small talk.
Why do Korean love karaoke? ›
A noraebang (노래방), formed by the words 'sing' (노래 no-rae) and 'room' (방 bang), means a room to sing. Going to a noraebang is a culture deeply ingrained in the social fabric of South Korea, and is one of the most popular ways for Koreans to relieve stress.
Why do girls blush so much? ›
Physiologically speaking, blushing occurs when the adrenal glands are triggered to release adrenaline, which dilates the blood vessels in the face and neck. Even for a nonscientist like me, that's pretty straightforward.
Do boys blush? ›
Some guys will blush at anything, while others rarely or never blush at all. Familiarize yourself with his personality first by introducing yourself and finding common interests. Being overly flirtatious and trying to force him to blush is a major turn-off.
Why would a guy's face turn red? ›
Intense feelings like stress, anger, or embarrassment can cause the blood vessels in your face to widen. This is a normal reaction of your nervous system but can be severe if you have anxiety. If your emotions make you feel flushed, you could also notice: Sweating.
Why do some people like singing karaoke? ›
Whether you're singing with friends or making new ones, karaoke is a fun and interactive activity that encourages social interaction. Stress Relief: Singing can be a great way to relieve stress and relax. When you sing, you release endorphins that help to reduce stress levels and make you feel happier.
Why does karaoke feel so good? ›
Stress Reliever
Singing releases endorphins that reduce stress and anxiety. And if you've ever tried karaoke with friends, you know it's more than just a night out—it's a symphony of laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.
Which culture loves karaoke? ›
Asia: The Karaoke Capital of the World
The popularity of karaoke is sky-high in Asia, especially in Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea. Probably because karaoke was invented in Japan and the Philippines.
