Influence of Popular Culture and Media on Society
Everyday, we are exposed to pop culture in one way or another. It is virtually unavoidable. We see it in magazines, newspapers, television, advertisements, the internet, and hear it on the radio. Pop culture influences many of our decisions day-to-day, although we may not even realize it. The clothes we wear, the things we buy, the music we listen to- all influenced by the media and trends. We are now in the age of technology. Most adolescents to young adults have one or more of the common devices; iPods, cellphones, computers, and televisions. Through these devices and other sources of popular culture, we are connected to a materialistic world obsessed with perfection and full of judgements. This media world distorts body image and often glorifies excessive partying and irresponsible behavior. Occasionally, popular culture influences people in a positive way. Successful people that have earned respect give people hope and set good examples.
In Music
Music is one of the first things one thinks of when "pop culture" is mentioned. Pop stars, rappers, bands, and other popular musicians are looked up to by millions of people. They're played on hit radio stations over and over. Lyrics to the songs on the top of the charts have significant lyrics in some cases, but in others they are mostly about partying and reckless behavior. This sets a bad example because it encourages things like excessive drinking. Sure, these artists singing about alcohol are over 21 years old and can legally drink. But there are massive amounts of 12 year olds that will memorize all the lyrics to their favorite song and assume that partying is acceptable and cool for their age. Pop icons like Ke$ha, for example, have a younger fan base. Her lyrics are fairly explicit and inappropriate for younger audiences. A lot of adolescents and teens look up to her, although she is not the ideal role model. She is viewed as cool and edgy.
The standards of music have gone down over the decades. An example of a song by a pop artist that glorifies drinking, partying, and madness is "Last Friday Night" by Katy Perry. Just by the title, you may already get a sense about what this song is about. The opening lines are "There's a stranger in my bed/ There's a pounding in my head." The whole song is about a crazy friday night with friends, but not being able to remember much. This sets a horrible example for underaged kids, especially. It lists a bunch of ridiculous things that happened and their disastrous consequences ("chandelier is on the floor"). Then Katy says that she wants to "do it all again" next friday night. There's a very nonchalant attitude throughout the song, despite the fact of all the madness going on. This gives off the vibe to teens that it's funny when bad things happen while under the influence of alcohol and drugs and that they can get away with it.
Other popular artists use their fame for the better. They make meaningful music about appropriate content. An example of a meaningful song that was/is popular is "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REqz9D7OWZE ) John Mayer talks about the world and corruptness. He feels a certain way about society and isn't afraid to say it. It is refreshing to hear songs like this that set a good example for listeners. Another pop singer that sets a good example is Taylor Swift. She is an "all-American" type girl, and writes her own songs about love and friends- typical and appropriate teenaged topics. She never once curses, mentions alcohol, or hints to any bad behavior. She influences her fans to not give in to the pressures of society. She is an enormous star who isn't letting the fame get to her head. She continues to influence people through her music every day.
The standards of music have gone down over the decades. An example of a song by a pop artist that glorifies drinking, partying, and madness is "Last Friday Night" by Katy Perry. Just by the title, you may already get a sense about what this song is about. The opening lines are "There's a stranger in my bed/ There's a pounding in my head." The whole song is about a crazy friday night with friends, but not being able to remember much. This sets a horrible example for underaged kids, especially. It lists a bunch of ridiculous things that happened and their disastrous consequences ("chandelier is on the floor"). Then Katy says that she wants to "do it all again" next friday night. There's a very nonchalant attitude throughout the song, despite the fact of all the madness going on. This gives off the vibe to teens that it's funny when bad things happen while under the influence of alcohol and drugs and that they can get away with it.
Other popular artists use their fame for the better. They make meaningful music about appropriate content. An example of a meaningful song that was/is popular is "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REqz9D7OWZE ) John Mayer talks about the world and corruptness. He feels a certain way about society and isn't afraid to say it. It is refreshing to hear songs like this that set a good example for listeners. Another pop singer that sets a good example is Taylor Swift. She is an "all-American" type girl, and writes her own songs about love and friends- typical and appropriate teenaged topics. She never once curses, mentions alcohol, or hints to any bad behavior. She influences her fans to not give in to the pressures of society. She is an enormous star who isn't letting the fame get to her head. She continues to influence people through her music every day.
On Television
Television has changed immensely over the past 10 years. Reality television has become a huge part of our culture. Reality Television often shows examples of people that are at a state that is attainable. When viewers see their favorite reality star follow a trend, it will most likely influence them to do the same. (See more in TV shows.)
Distorted Body Image
In recent history, the media supports an unhealthy standard of what's considered "beautiful." In magazines, the fashion world, on television, and in advertisements, we are accustomed to seeing stick thin models with long legs, perfect hair, and a flawless face. This image is seen everywhere day to day, so much so, that we begin to believe that this is how we are supposed to look. This desired depiction of perfection is in most cases physically impossible. No matter how hard a human tries to look like the generated images circulating the media, it is virtually unobtainable. The secret behind this perfection is more than dieting, exercising, and lots of makeup. The real secret is a computer program that alters and transforms the photo into a flawless version of the original. Everyone who sees these images is influenced by them. Thousands of Americans have distorted body images, therefore develop eating disorders. This can largely be credited to the importance of beauty in the media and the unrealistic examples. Many others are effected by having low self esteems and failing to realize that inner beauty is just as important, if not more important, than outer beauty.
