With over 3.1 million monthly searches, rain unanimously tops the list as the most popular sound on the internet. Crickets ranked as his second most popular sound, with just over 622,000 monthly searches.
The sound of the rain falling rhythmically seems to give healing to the mind as well as the nourishing effect in the natural world.
“Our brains are drawn to patterns and routines,” says Dr. Judy Ho, a California-based neuropsychologist and member of the Forbes Health Advisory Board. The brain is constantly scanning for threats, but rhythmic patterns (such as a gentle, steady rainfall) are ‘signals of mitigation’. These signals send a message to your brain that it’s safe to turn off high-alert mode, she explains.
Rain is a type of pink noise that contains all the frequencies that people can hear, but with a stronger focus on the lower frequencies and less intensity in the higher octaves (for comparison). , white noise provides all frequencies that humans can hear with equal intensity.) Although clinical evidence is limited, research suggests that pink noise may help people sleep. doing. Aside from the relaxing effect, rhythmic sounds like this may also help people with tinnitus by masking tinnitus and other noises.
most popular artificial sounds
getty creative
Sound-seekers seem to love clapping, as it tops the list of the most popular person-produced sounds. While the effectiveness of “clapping therapy” may be inconclusive, at least one study suggests that clapping may be an effective tool for brain stimulation.
Laughter comes in second, which researchers believe is an easy way to boost your mood and reduce the production of stress hormones. The sound of crushing leaves, clocks, church bells and planes taking off are also popular.
After these results, interest in steam locomotive whistles and Ferrari engines dropped significantly, and the demand for man-made sounds dropped significantly.
most popular nature sounds
getty creative
The sounds of nature seem to have a deep and primal grasp of the human psyche. A 2022 study found that participants who heard birdsong in particular experienced significant relief from mental stress and fatigue. Meanwhile, another study in Ecopsychology suggests that nature sounds can help improve the listener’s overall mood.
Nature sounds, sought after by 71% of survey respondents, are the most popular types of sounds people tend to look for online, and for good reason.
“Studies show that being in nature reduces stress chemicals such as cortisol, reduces anxiety, and increases feelings of well-being,” says New York-based psychotherapist Dr. Deborah Courtney, member of the Forbes Health Advisory Board, said.
Science also supports the idea that sounds of nature can influence a person’s inner state in powerful ways, Dr. Courtney adds. For example, a 2017 study published in Scientific Reports showed how natural sounds reduced the body’s sympathetic responses (fight, flight, freeze) and increased parasympathetic responses (rest and digestion). Observing related trends.
“Nature is the pathway to spirituality and meaning,” adds Dr. Ho. “There is also a welcome rhythm, which elicits positive memories and emotions.”
According to data from Forbes Health, thunder and wind are the most popular nature sounds on the internet, besides rain.
most popular animal sounds
getty creative
Known for their distinctive vocalizations, crickets are known to be the most popular animal sounds searched on the internet. Listeners also frequently ask for cat meows.
Science seems to back up the benefits of hearing animal sounds. One of his studies in 2018 Psychological bulletins and reviews Participants who listened to natural sounds, such as cricket chirping, were found to have significantly improved cognitive performance compared to those who listened to urban sounds, such as traffic noise.
Most popular food and drink sounds
getty creative
Perhaps the most contentious part of the list are the numerous food and drink sounds that appeal to thousands of sound seekers each month. Popping popcorn has nearly 4,200 monthly searches, followed by Apple Crunch with 2,270 monthly searches and sizzling bacon with 2,060 monthly searches. Pouring wine requires only 820 searches.
Studies on the phenomenon known as autonomic sensory meridian response (ASMR) have shown that some people experience a tingling sensation in the back of the neck and relaxation of internal organs when listening to certain types of noise. In some cases, the sound of popcorn popping can also provoke a similar reaction in some listeners.
