How did the COVID-19 Pandemic Alter the Functions of Music and Nightlife for Young Adults?

Abstract

Young adults’ lives have been severely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Their social lives have been particularly impacted by the cancellations and restrictions of social gatherings such as concerts, parties and other forms of nightlife. Socio-cultural theory as well as empirical studies suggest that cultural elements such as music and music events can serve as valuable resources in dealing with challenges in times of crises and personal transitions. The aim of our study was to understand whether, and in what manner, the functions of music and nightlife have changed for youth during the pandemic. Moreover, we explored the ways in which nightlife restrictions affected young people and their habits. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with thirteen young people (seven male, aged 18-29). The interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes were identified by both researchers independantly, with the final set of themes being a product of joint discussion on the overlaps and inconsistencies in the interpretation of data. In some aspects, music was employed in the same manner as before the pandemic, particularly as background for daily tasks, as well as a resource for creating and maintaining relationships and identity development. On the other hand, during the pandemic, music had a greater retrospective function and was used to reminisce on periods of "normality". Music was also used more often as a way to dissociate and normalize one’s experiences, particularly pathological emotional states such as anxiety. However, during lockdown some emotional states were too overwhelming, thus limiting this function of emotional regulation. Restrictions of public gatherings unveiled the multiple functions parties can have for youth as an irreplaceable multimodal experience. As most participants refrained themselves from going out, they reported a loss of a valuable resource for connecting with others and managing stress. Interestingly, parties organized in accordance with public measures did not provide the participants who attended them with the typical benefits as they reported dissatisfaction and the inability to “feel normal”. Four participants continued to attend illegal parties and gatherings that they used as a resource for managing stress related to the pandemic. Illegal party-goers also emphasized feeling a greater level of connectedness with other attendees than at pre-pandemic parties. The findings suggest that nightlife can serve functions that are hard to substitute, thus helping us understand some of the underlying motives behind young people’s noncompliance with necessary restrictions.