The Influence of Pop Culture on Youth Values

Generated by AI Chatgpt

Introduction

Pop culture, or popular culture, refers to a collection of ideas, trends, characteristics, and phenomena widely liked by the general public. It is primarily disseminated through media such as television, music, films, and the internet. Additionally, pop culture encompasses fashion, slang, social media trends, and celebrity influences that shape everyday life. Pop culture plays a significant role in shaping the interests, values, and focus of the younger generation, reflecting and influencing how they interact with society over time. For instance, popular celebrities and influencers like Selena Gomez serve as role models for young people, impacting their behavior, beliefs, and aspirations. From their clothing choices and speech patterns to their reasons for supporting certain causes, these public figures greatly affect young people's identities. Furthermore, social media enables these figures to expand their influence rapidly through trends and videos, leading young people to form views on success, beauty standards, and social issues based on what they observe through pop culture.

How Pop Culture Shapes Youth Values

Pop culture appears in various forms on social media, including music, films, television, and more. It acts as a powerful lens through which individuals shape self-perception, a sense of community, and relationships with others. In today's society, pop culture often promotes the idea that fame and wealth are the primary measures of success, influencing the career aspirations of young people. Many young individuals now aspire to become social media stars—whether as YouTubers, influencers, or celebrities—because these roles are often portrayed as financially rewarding professions. However, pop culture can also make young people feel dissatisfied with their current lives or achievements by promoting the notion that fame and wealth equate to success.

From my personal experience, I’ve witnessed friends who admire celebrities like Lisa from Blackpink or Kai from Exo and are willing to change their lifestyles just to emulate them. Many believe that gaining numerous followers and wealth through platforms like Instagram and Snapchat is the fastest route to success. As a result, they sometimes stray from their true passions and original career goals in pursuit of what they perceive to be a better ideal. This demonstrates the profound influence pop culture has on young people, shaping their perceptions of success and redirecting their future aspirations.

In addition, pop culture often uses the beauty standards of celebrities, models, and influencers to encourage younger generations to idolize certain appearances. Social media platforms, magazines, and advertisements frequently showcase flawless physiques and perfect features, setting unattainable expectations for physical appearance. These beauty standards contribute to dissatisfaction among young people, prompting actions that may harm their bodies, such as plastic surgery. Such actions perpetuate the belief that these are the only ways to achieve success or societal acceptance.

The Positive Impact of Pop Culture

Fortunately, not everything about pop culture is negative. In fact, pop culture often serves as a platform for positive change. Today, many individuals work to create a better society, using their influence as public figures for this purpose. These individuals are often referred to as "celebrity activists." Billie Eilish, for instance, is a pop star who, through her work and public presence, has highlighted several important issues. She not only sings about them but genuinely cares and is committed to creating change around these topics.

I have a vivid memory of watching *13 Reasons Why*, a television series that focuses on the story of a teenager who experiences bullying to the point where they feel life is no longer worth living. The series, with its touching storyline and strong performances, made me reflect on how mental health can subtly infiltrate the lives of teens who should otherwise feel carefree. The show also made me appreciate how rarely we talk about "mental health," particularly concerning teenagers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pop culture wields both positive and negative power in shaping the values of younger generations. On one hand, it can create unrealistic expectations about success, beauty, and lifestyle, leaving young people feeling dissatisfied or pressured to meet challenging standards. On the other hand, pop culture can inspire positive social change by raising awareness about important issues such as mental health, equality, and sustainability. Young people must approach pop culture with critical thinking, carefully considering how media influences their beliefs, behaviors, and goals. By being more mindful of the content they consume, future generations can engage with pop culture more healthily, focusing on authenticity and genuinely important values rather than pursuing superficial ideals.