Perceptions of fairness in music streaming : listening to streaming users [Insights from Work Package 4 of the Fair MusE Project (D4.2)]

In an age where digital platforms dominate how we discover and consume music, the question of fairness is more relevant than ever. Through Work Package 4 of the Fair MusE project, researchers turned to the listeners themselves, those navigating the algorithmic playlists, curated suggestions, and data-driven recommendations, for answers. Their voices reveal a nuanced and often critical view of music streaming: one where fairness is subjective, economic, emotional, and deeply shaped by platform design. From algorithmic manipulation to social lock-in, their testimonies offer a candid snapshot of how it feels to participate in today’s digital music ecosystem, and what still needs to change