How Does Music Affect Psychopaths?

I’ll never forget the night we got into that deep, slightly eerie conversation about psychopaths and music. We were in this dimly lit bar, the kind where the jazz band plays just loud enough to make you feel sophisticated but still lets you talk. My friend Jake, always the one to throw out weird facts, suddenly leaned in and said:

— Did you know that psychopaths prefer rap over classical music?

We all laughed, assuming it was just another one of his random “fun facts,” but then he pulled out his phone and showed us a study that actually backed it up. That sparked a whole debate—how does music affect psychopaths? Do they experience it the same way as the rest of us? Does it manipulate their emotions, or are they immune to it?

That night, I went down a rabbit hole of research, trying to understand the relationship between music and psychopathy. What I found was fascinating, unsettling, and, honestly, not what I expected.

Do Psychopaths Experience Music Differently?

Most of us feel music deeply. A certain song can make you cry, another can give you chills, and some can instantly transport you back to a memory. But what about psychopaths—people who are often characterized by a lack of empathy, shallow emotions, and a diminished ability to connect with others on a deep emotional level?

Research suggests that psychopaths do process music differently, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy it. The key difference? They might not feel the same emotional pull that the average person does.

A 2017 study published in Frontiers in Psychology explored how psychopaths respond to emotionally charged music. It found that while most people react strongly to sad or happy songs, psychopaths showed a much weaker emotional response. Their brains simply don’t light up in the same way when exposed to deeply moving music.

— So, what? They just hear sounds? Like… background noise? — my friend Sarah asked when I told her about this.
— Not exactly. They still enjoy music, but probably in a more intellectual way. Like how some people appreciate art for its technique rather than its emotional depth.

What Type of Music Do Psychopaths Prefer?

Okay, here’s where it gets really interesting. Several studies have suggested that people with higher psychopathy scores tend to prefer specific genres of music.

A study conducted by researchers at New York University in 2017 analyzed the musical preferences of individuals with psychopathic traits. The results showed that:

• Rap and heavy metal were more popular among individuals with higher psychopathy scores.
• Classical music, surprisingly, did not have a strong correlation with psychopathy, despite Hollywood stereotypes.
• Songs with aggressive or rebellious lyrics tended to be favored by those with psychopathic tendencies.

One particular song that stood out in the study? “No Diggity” by Blackstreet. Yeah, I know. Not exactly the eerie, suspenseful soundtrack you’d expect from a psychopath in a movie, right?

— Wait, so are you telling me that some psycho killer out there is just vibing to “No Diggity” while plotting something? — my friend Mark joked.
— Maybe, but that doesn’t mean every rap fan is a psychopath, obviously. It’s just a trend.

Why Might Psychopaths Prefer Certain Music?

Psychopaths tend to seek stimulation and thrill. They’re more likely to be drawn to music that excites them rather than music that tugs at their heartstrings. Rap and heavy metal often have high energy, intense beats, and sometimes even themes of rebellion or dominance—all elements that may appeal to someone with psychopathic traits.

Another theory? Lyrics matter.

While the average person connects to lyrics on an emotional level, psychopaths might be drawn to songs that reflect their own worldview—power, control, detachment, or even manipulation. It’s less about feeling and more about identifying with the message.

Can Music Influence Psychopathic Behavior?

Here’s where it gets tricky. There’s no concrete evidence that music causes psychopathy or makes someone more violent. But there’s been a long-standing debate about whether certain types of music can reinforce antisocial tendencies.

Take, for example, the infamous case of Richard Ramirez, the "Night Stalker." He was known to be obsessed with AC/DC’s “Night Prowler”, a song with eerie undertones that some people later linked to his crimes. But was the song responsible for his actions? Of course not.

Music doesn’t create psychopaths, but it might reflect their mindset. A song won’t turn someone into a killer, but it might resonate differently with someone who already lacks empathy or sees the world through a detached, predatory lens.

— So what you’re saying is, music is just a mirror? — Sarah asked.
— Pretty much. It doesn’t make someone a psychopath, but a psychopath might use it to reinforce their worldview.

Can Music Be Used to Detect Psychopathy?

Now, this is where things get kind of Black Mirror. Some researchers believe that analyzing a person’s music preferences could be a tool in identifying psychopathic traits. Imagine if a playlist could predict someone’s personality—or even their potential for dangerous behavior.

A 2018 study suggested that machine learning algorithms could analyze a person’s favorite songs and detect psychopathic tendencies with surprising accuracy. But before you start judging your friends’ playlists, remember: musical taste is just one tiny piece of a much bigger puzzle.

— So, does that mean I should be worried about my roommate who only listens to metal? — Mark laughed.
— Not unless he also lacks empathy, manipulates people, and has a history of antisocial behavior.

Final Thoughts: Music and the Mind of a Psychopath

The connection between music and psychopathy is complex. While psychopaths might not experience music the same way emotionally, they still enjoy it. They tend to prefer high-energy, rebellious music, but that doesn’t mean their playlists define them.

At the end of the day, music is deeply personal, and what it reveals about us depends on how we interpret it. So the next time someone tells you their favorite song is “No Diggity,” don’t panic.

But, you know… maybe keep an eye on them.

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