MASKED INFLUENCE

The growth and influence of pop culture have increased greatly in the 21st century due to advancements in technology. Countries all around the world are now familiar with this culture and are constantly falling under its influence, as it is fueled by popular mass media outlets such as movies, sports, music, magazines, the internet, memes, and social media.

Pop culture is largely comprised of the tastes, customs, preferences, attitudes, and perspectives shared by the majority of Western society. These attitudes and perspectives have consumed much of the younger generation and have played a major role in dynamically changing the lifestyle of society. In turn, this influences many people’s decisions and choices because pop culture is specifically designed to appeal to large audiences. Some of the impacts of television, music, and magazines will be discussed here.

Television has rapidly increased in popularity over the past decade. With thousands of channels and countless shows available, there is always something to watch. Television programs have deeply impacted daily life, and many people feel committed to keeping up with every new episode. Unfortunately, much of this influence has negatively affected the younger generation because of the constant exposure to violence, drug use, and sexual content. Children are often exposed to programs that are far too mature for their age. As a result, society has witnessed cases where young people imitate behaviors they observe in movies and television. Violence is often indirectly portrayed as acceptable or entertaining. Therefore, television has had a negative impact not only on youth but also on society as a whole through its repeated promotion of violence, drugs, and sexual references.

Music is also one of the most popular forms of media and surrounds people in everyday life. There are many genres of music, each with its own artists and fan base. Music is constantly evolving, and artists are often viewed as role models whom teenagers imitate in lifestyle and behavior. Nearly five years ago, Justin Bieber appealed to the emotions of pre-teens across Ethiopia and around the world. He rose to fame at a young age but later became involved in legal and personal controversies. Despite these issues, many of his fans continued to admire and support him. This demonstrates how celebrity culture can influence young people to sympathize with or imitate unhealthy behaviors simply because they admire the individual. In many ways, modern music culture has contributed to the rise of negative role models, which can influence the moral direction of younger generations.

Lastly, magazines have also changed drastically over the years. Many magazines are now known less for meaningful writing and more for sensational celebrity images and gossip. Publications such as celebrity magazines often judge public figures based primarily on physical appearance and lifestyle. These magazines thrive because of public fascination with celebrity culture. Many people desire to look like celebrities and live the lifestyles they portray. This unrealistic fantasy has driven some individuals, especially women, to take extreme measures in pursuit of physical appearance and social acceptance.

Each day, culture is increasingly shaped by media influence. Pop culture continues to affect the development of society and, in many ways, has contributed negatively to the values, identity, and direction of an entire generation.