Pop culture. It is easy to look at it as solely negative. It is what lamenting parents blame when there child rebels, procrastinates or falls behind. It is merely a distraction, some might say- it is the reason this generation is unable to focus in both school and everyday life. However, popular entertainment is not 'all bad'. Today, popular culture can be used for communication with relatives or friends who live across the country or across the globe, listening to relaxing music, or as a way to relax and unwind. However, like all things, when something (in this case, popular entertainment), becomes the obsession of an individual, that is where it becomes a problem.
Today, we use popular culture to our benefit in numerous ways. For example, the ability to listen to any genre of music that we desire, at any instance, is extremely beneficial for some people. Some cannot study, focus or sleep with out a little bit of sound, and popular culture enables such persons to have the access to the whole world of music at their fingertips. Furthermore, popular culture provides a way for friends and relatives to instantaneously communicate with one another, no matter the distance between them. This aspect of popular entertainment enables relationships from becoming withered and broken, as it gives people the opportunity to continuously converse (instantly and for free) with any one, at any time. Another beneficial aspect of popular entertainment is that it gives the individual time to relax. In many aspects of the modern day world, we praise the 'go-go-go' attitude. This is lived out through constant moving, doing and working-- which eventually becomes exhausting. Popular culture provides a a way for the individual to come home and unwind and 're-charge'. Many believe that using popular entertainment as a form of relaxation distances one from the family, however popular entertainment also provides a fun, easy, and yes- relaxing way to sit and be with the family. This is seen in family movie nights, fun family shows, etc.. When used outside of the realm of 'addiction', popular entertainment can be very beneficial.
When used in moderation, popular entertainment can be very beneficial. However, when taken out of control- such as when one plays video games for ten hours straight, or watches three seasons of one show in one day- that is when it becomes a detriment to our society. Popular entertainment can be used for good, when used to relax, re-charge or keep relationships alive. It is however, the addictive aspect of it that is harmful.
Popular entertainment can be used both for the good and for the bad of society. When used in moderation and in positive and non-addictive ways, it does not pose an issue. It is, however, when it is abused and becomes an addiction, that it becomes harmful and damaging.
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