Impact of Digital Music among the Youth in Chennai

The rapid growth and development in the digitization of music have significantly transformed how the youth increase their consumption pattern style and involvement, engage with, and relate to music in Chennai, a film and vibrant cultural hub of south India. This study explores the impact of digital music platforms and their listening habits, preferences, and social cultural factors of the city's youth. It examines the accessibility, affordability, and variety offered by online platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Gaana, which have replaced traditional methods of analog music consumption such as radio and CDs. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews with individuals aged 15–30 to assess their digital music usage patterns and their influence on their cultural identity and emotional well-being. Findings suggest that digital music has endured a more personalized and globalized experience, enabling youth to explore diverse genres while retaining a strong connection to local traditions. However, it also highlights concerns such as diminished attention spans, over-relational on psychological behavioral change, and reduced in physical music and community engagement. The study explains the dual role of digital music as both a tool for cultural globalization and a medium for preserving Chennai's classical and traditional musical heritage. Insights from this research could update the strategies for promoting balanced digital consumption while safeguarding the cultural identity for music.