During any passing period, the effects of pop culture can be heard in conversations or seen on backpacks and phones.
Talks about the latest box office success of a Marvel movie or jackets with characters from the latest video games are all relevant in many aspects.
Pop culture can and does have a heavy influence on how teens perceive the world around With the influx of internet use in the age of technology, it becomes easy to get swept away into the life of celebrities and media stars. Pop culture always has, and always will, influence teens and others, especially today.
However, it isn’t without consequence. According to raisingchildren.net’s Scientific Advisory Board, living in an age where people has access to each other’s personal life without lifting a finger—at least, no more than one finger—is detrimental to the health and image of modern teens.
Songs, movies, and shows (as well as celebrities and internet influences) show heavy drug use and consumption of alcohol as a casual part of life. This pushes more and more teens to mimic these behaviors.
For most, the teen years are the most influential time for any person’s life, and any sort of consumption of media will influence that experience.
With these large big-name stars endorsing products that have been reported by users to be supercharged laxatives, the copycat behavior is likely to follow. But some of the students are aware of this problem. Sophomore Breanna Watermolen, says that being involved in the media increases the chances of teens “seeing people using drugs, underaged drinking, etc.”
“Because this phenomena is so young, we’ve fully kept in mind the dangers that come with the way people use the internet,” said junior Benjamin Johnson.
The use of the internet is rapidly evolving and changing. Even for students, it may be difficult to keep up with the hottest trends in culture.
However, some argue it brings people together.
“It gives a very clear advantage being able to connect faster with things and people we love,” Johnson continues.
Despite the rampant claims that social media is creating a rift in today’s youth, pop culture’s ability to unite teens together under a common interest is beneficial for these relationships.
“Having pop culture unifies people in a way and introduce unity and togetherness in people,” said senior Erik Radakovich.
“When I was your age, I couldn’t care less about what was going on in the world,” said German teacher, Matthew Harring. “I think having it there, not necessarily that you have a strong opinion and you have to be able to defend it very well, just that it’s there and you’re thinking about it is definitely a pro.”