Listen up, Gen Zs, or listen as Beyonce once sang in 2007 for those older Gen Zs to remember. Have you already seen your Wrapped 2025 playlist, released today, December 3rd? I thought so. Just like every year, we have our surprises, unpredictability, highs and lows, the usual cycle of life. Well, lucky for you, Spotify music has your emotional diary documented and sacred, as it shuffles the playlists you listen to every day. 

So why do we curate playlists for imaginary lives? You think you know the answer. But do you really know the reason behind it? Why is it that before something happens, your body and mind already react to it? For example, let's say you've been in a long-term relationship. Your partner has been distant for a few days straight, not consistently responding to you and refusing to see you. You know what's worse? You might already catch yourself listening to Adele's Rolling in the Deep, or Someone Like You, the saddest breakup songs, even before the breakup. Then bam! "Sorry, I don't wanna be with you anymore. Let's go our separate ways." Was this coincidental or just a simple series of events bound to happen? Well, why were you listening to breakup songs even before the breakup? Are you psychic, or does music shape our imaginary lives? You tell me, no. I'll let you know before you go ahead and imagine it. 

This doesn't just have to be about breakups. Let's say you have met your crush, a potential new love interest, and are going on dates, etc. You're not sure where this relationship is heading, but all you know is something straightforward: you really like them and only think of them. Simple, yet you find yourself smiling at those texts, searching for them when you're in a room full of people at a nightclub, stalking their socials, excited for your next date. You're definitely daydreaming about them with Spotify or Apple Music, don't even try to play it cool now. Ellie Goudlig's Love Me as You Do is definitely on repeat in my playlist. Even some might curate a romantic playlist before a relationship is even promised out of this situationship. So does music shape our realities? Or does music shape our imaginary desires in both good and bad times? 

Playlists are our human fingerprint. Our choice in music is something we can not subconsciously deny or lie about. They reflect our innermost feelings and help us navigate our emotional landscape. As a writer, music is the most motivating in honestly expressing my authenticity and voice in my articles. The beauty in art and life is through emotions. How can one know what is so amazing if they cannot feel or express such emotions? Music is beautiful in its own way. In addition, music can regulate mood, providing soundtracks to meet our psychological needs and serving as a form of self-care. By selecting songs that mirror our emotional states, we can craft playlists that reflect our identities and connect with like-minded individuals. 

So, back to my original question, why do people curate playlists?

Main Character Energy Syndrome. It's essential to understand the emotional state, personality, and motivations you are facing. Consider your wildest dreams, hidden desires, fears, and insecurities. Vulnerability—usually, it is the best starting point for figuring out what kind of character you are. I love pretending to be my favorite movie character, listening to my playlist, and imagining how they would act in my little life. What favorite movie character do you wanna be in your life? Imagine yourself. 

Certain songs act as time capsules, transporting us to a pivotal moment. This phenomenon is known as regressive listening—describing how music allows us to regress into memories, solidifying our sense of self through emotional resonance. The best way to curate a playlist is to choose the right songs. Look for songs that embody your mood, specifically lyrics that replicate and articulate emotions you may struggle to voice. These connections foster validation—a sense that someone "gets you" and that you're not alone. It's nice to hear that echo from an artist, especially when you're struggling through something difficult. For all types of individuals, music serves as a platform for claiming their narratives and identities. With its many genres, music is for everyone! 

Luckily, we live in a modern world where Spotify can craft how we engage with music. Algorithms that showcase our most listened to songs, generating personalized playlists (Liked Songs), reflecting our tastes while introducing us to new music. This democratization allows anyone to become a curator, crafting playlists that broadcast their identity to the world. An 80s throwback, a vintage jazzy vibe, and upbeat house music foster individuality and generational belonging regardless of age. Did you notice how Spotify tracks your age based on your listening preferences? Age is just a number after all, but your soul is not. 

In a world where identity is multifaceted and fluid, playlists offer a dynamic way to specify who we are. Whether it's blending a memory, emotion, and aspiration into our own stories, music serves us as our identity, therapy, and social currency. So, before you sit on your daily commute, make your new playlists. Reflect on your wrapped playlist and take the time to figure out who you are now. Did you change, grow, or stay the same? What's going on in your life this month, and what are you looking forward to becoming in the future? Embrace your soul.