Is Pop Culture Good for You?

Is Pop Culture Good for You?

    "Pop Culture" can be defined as the set of practices that society puts in a place of value and embodies the meanings of a shared social system. This can include media, objects, fashion, music, entertainment, leisure, social media, language, and trends. Most pop culture is directed to the masses through media. The term "pop culture" allows the populations in society to identify collectively. It can unite society in terms of acceptable forms of behavior. With that being said, there are pros and cons regarding pop culture.

    

    What are the benefits of pop culture? Pop culture connects us as one, and it is relevant in our everyday lives. Pop culture trends change throughout time. Looking back on past decades, what was in popular culture then is not considered as prevalent now as it was at that time. Pop culture is a peek into society's priorities in real time, as it is unfolding. By seeing what is trending we can see what our society is valuing. Bringing people of diverse backgrounds, interests, age, socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity, together with pop culture seems like a pro to me. For example, if you see someone wearing a t-shirt with your favorite band or TV show on it, you can see that there is a common thread that connects you. Knowledge of current and past pop culture can help to bridge the gap between various groups of people and create a common ground. By understanding pop culture, we can understand ourselves and each other better.  

    With every pro there are also cons. Some of the negative side effects of pop culture include influencing the population too heavily and contributing to declining mental health. One main component of pop culture is social media. Social media has created platforms for its users to voice their opinions and views. With the rise of social media applications such as, TikTok and Instagram, accounts with many followers portray their lives in a certain way. Stumbling upon an account with thousands of followers can influence someone to want to act and behave that way so they can gain similar social media attention. Social media is merely a highlight reel of someone's life, and it is not their everyday. This can tie in with many individuals experiencing struggles with their mental health. Experiencing feelings such as anxiety, depression, or even suicidal thoughts are all harmful effects of social media and pop culture. Pop culture does not cause these feelings within an individual, but it can amplify them if they are preexisting.   

    So, is pop culture good for you? I do not see how we can live in a society without it. I believe that society can learn from pop culture of the past and present, it shows us where we have been and what direction we are heading. Pop culture is ever changing, as we evolve and grow as a society, so does pop culture. There is so much to be learned by viewing what the masses find valuable to them by examining pop culture. However, I do feel that society should maintain a balance. We should not rely on pop culture to tell us how to think, feel, or form opinions. We should not be influenced into liking something or having a particular view on a topic just because it is referenced in pop culture. Limiting time on social media can hopefully reduce those feelings of anxiety and depression in those who are suffering from that. We need to be aware of ourselves in relation to our place in society and pop culture.