How does the culture of music piracy affect the relationship between artists and listeners, and what does this suggest about the perceived value of music?

ANSWER: Music piracy disrupts the artist-listener bond, as it undermines the value of the artist's work by making it accessible without proper compensation. By circumventing fair exchange, piracy suggests that music is a commodity to be consumed freely, rather than an art form deserving of investment. This undervaluation erodes the financial foundation of the music industry, harming creators and jeopardizing future production. It reflects a cultural shift towards prioritizing accessibility over the sustainable support of artists and their craft.