Is Pop Culture Good For You?

Is pop culture good for us? I believe it is... depending on how you engage with it. 

Pop culture without a doubt helps create shared experiences between people. Through shows, music, or trends, it helps people bond over common interests. Think even of references from random TikTok videos that show up in day to day conversations. I could say "Brat Summer" and connect with virtually every teenager in this country. Awareness of pop culture can be really powerful. It fosters a sense of belonging in a society that in this day and age, depends on the internet. Pop culture can also provide us a reflection on societal values. Most media we consume has an agenda behind it, whether it's a documentary on a social movement or a more abstract approach to addressing a current topic, through it we gain insight into the world around us. Pop culture acts as a complex and dynamic mirror, reflecting the realities of society while also having the power to influence societal change. It allows people to interpret their collective experiences, whether they are political, social, or personal. By engaging with pop culture critically, we gain insight into both how far society has come and how far it has yet to go. It helps us understand ourselves and the world we live in, making it an indispensable part of human experience.

On the flip side, pop culture can also leech off of consumeristic tendencies. Trends are constantly pushed out, some not lasting any longer than a week. There is definitely a pressure to stay up to date or wear what everyone else is wearing. Not only does this cause people to impulsively purchase, ultimately contributing to the deteriorating effects the fashion market has on our planet, but it also creates unrealistic expectations. No, you are not lesser than the instagram model because you aren't vacationing on the Amalfi Coast. Constant exposure to over-commercialized content simply is not healthy. It can shape our views on beauty standards, relationships, the meaning of success, etc. and that can lead to a lot of insecurity.  It also tends to make us focus on, dare I say, shallow things. Yes, we raise awareness for important causes through pop culture. We also wait around every Monday at 8pm EST to see which of the 20 girls vying for one man's attention will win the rose tonight! Don't get me wrong, I love The Bachelor. I also think it is fair to point out that there might be more thoughtful pursuits that deserve the same amount of nation-wide attention. 

So ultimately, I believe the "goodness" of pop culture is largely determined by what we do with it. Like any powerful tool, pop culture has the potential to be either beneficial or harmful depending on how we use it. If we approach it with mindfulness and critical thinking, it can be a truly positive force. We can appreciate its ability to connect people across different backgrounds, offer new perspectives, and entertain us in ways that bring us happiness. It can inspire creativity, develop community, and even start important conversations about societal issues. However, if we become overly immersed in it or allow ourselves to be overly influenced by its less constructive aspects, it can lead to problems. We might start to prioritize consumerism, superficial beauty, or instant gratification over more fulfilling, thoughtful pursuits. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of trends and social validation, especially when it comes to things like social media or celebrity culture. Ensuring we aren't losing sight of what truly matters in the process is key to ensuring that pop culture remains a positive influence in our lives.