The Paradox of Musical Sadness

You would think people would avoid music that makes them sad. Instead, sad songs are among the most streamed tracks on every platform. Adele's "Someone Like You" has racked up billions of streams. So why do we keep pressing play on heartbreak?

Researchers call this the "paradox of pleasurable sadness." In real life, sadness is an emotion we try to avoid. But in the safe container of a song, the emotional experience changes. You feel moved without being threatened.