The Digital Soundscapes: Music Listening, Self-Awareness Across Demographic Contexts in Malaysian Universities

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of music on self-awareness, self-expression, and emotional attitudes toward academic tasks among Malaysian university students. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 334 students representing diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. The findings indicate that music significantly enhances self-expression and emotional engagement, while perceptions of its impact on self-awareness vary. Religious background emerged as a key differentiator, with Muslim respondents reporting greater the development of self-awareness through music compared to their Buddhist and Hindu counterparts, reflecting the interplay of cultural and religious influences. Age also influenced self-expression preferences, with younger university students (aged 18-19) exhibiting distinct patterns compared to older peers (aged 24-25), while academic discipline showed no significant effect. Notably, prior musical knowledge was found to strengthen the perceived role of music in fostering self-awareness, suggesting that deeper engagement with music amplifies its psychological impact. The study underscores music’s potential as a cultural and emotional resource that supports personal growth and academic engagement in higher education. These insights offer implications for integrating music-based learning technologies into educational practices and wellbeing initiatives in Malaysian universities.