Author: Eddy Lee Tong Liang, Student of Airlangga University
Introduction
Pop culture, or popular culture for short, refers to a broad collection of ideas, trends, characteristics, and phenomena that are popular with the general public. It is primarily disseminated through media such as television, music, film, and the internet. It also includes fashion, slang, social media trends, and celebrity influences that shape everyday life. Pop culture plays a major role in shaping the interests, values, and concerns of young people, reflecting and influencing how they interact with society at all times. For example, popular celebrities and influencers such as Selena Gomez serve as role models for young people, influencing their behavior, beliefs, and aspirations. From the way they dress, speak, to the reasons they support an issue, these public figures have a major impact on the identity of young people. Furthermore, social media allows these public figures to expand their influence quickly through trends and videos, so young people tend to form their views of success, beauty standards, and social issues based on what they observe. experience or observe through pop culture.
How Pop Culture Shapes Young People's Values
Pop culture exists in many forms on social media, including music, film, television, and more. It serves as a powerful lens for individuals to shape their self-perceptions, sense of community, and relationships with others. In today's society, pop culture often promotes the idea that fame and fortune are the ultimate measures of success, influencing the career aspirations of younger generations. Many young people now aspire to be social media stars, whether as YouTubers, influencers, or celebrities, as these roles are often described as financially rewarding professions. However, pop culture can leave younger generations feeling dissatisfied with their current lives or accomplishments, as it often promotes the view that fame and fortune equate to success.
In my own experience, I have seen friends who admire celebrities like Lisa from Blackpink or Kai from Exo and are willing to change their lifestyles just to be like them. Many believe that gaining a large following and wealth through social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat is the fastest path to success. As a result, they sometimes move away from their true passions and initial career goals in order to pursue this perceived higher ideal. This shows how profoundly pop culture influences the younger generation, shaping their perception of success and changing the direction of their future aspirations. In addition, pop culture often utilizes celebrities, models, and influencers' beauty standards to influence younger generations to idolize their appearance. Furthermore, social media platforms, magazines, and advertisements constantly showcase flawless physiques and perfect features which set unpredictable expectations for physical appearances. The beauty standards set by pop culture are a result of why some younger generations feel dissatisfied with their appearance which leads them to take actions that may even harm their body which includes plastic surgery. These kinds of actions make teenagers believe that this is the only way for them to be successful or accepted by society.
Positive Impact of Pop Culture
Fortunately, not everything in pop culture is negative; in fact, pop culture is often a platform for positive change. Many people today are trying to change society for the better, and many of them are using their influence as public figures to do so. They are often referred to as "celebrity activists." Billie Eilish is one such pop star who, through her work and public presence, has brought attention to some important issues. She doesn't just sing about them, but she genuinely cares and is committed to making a difference in those issues.
I have strong memories of watching *13 Reasons Why*, a TV series that centers on a teenager who experiences bullying to the point of feeling like she has no reason to go on living. The series, with its touching storyline and strong performances, made me reflect on how mental health can infiltrate the otherwise carefree lives of teenagers. It also made me appreciate how rarely we talk about "mental health," especially as it relates to teenagers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pop culture has both positive and negative power in shaping the values of young people. On the one hand, pop culture can create unrealistic expectations about success, beauty, and lifestyle, leaving young people feeling dissatisfied or pressured to meet unattainable standards. On the other hand, pop culture can also inspire positive social change by raising awareness of important issues such as mental health, equality, and sustainability. Young people need to approach pop culture with critical thinking, thoughtfully considering how media influences their beliefs, behaviors, and goals. By being more conscious of the content they consume, future generations can engage with pop culture in a healthier way, considering authenticity and values that truly matter rather than pursuing superficial pursuits.
