Technologies Impact on Mass Culture
“As technology affects all the components of culture, it determines the direction of cultural development” (Niroula, 2018).
“Mass Culture is a set of cultural values and ideas that arise from common exposure of a population to the same cultural activities, communications media, music and art, etc. Mass culture becomes possible only with modern communications and electronic media” (Paicu, 2017). Ultimately mass media consumption impacts a society and the way that it shapes a culture that is not limited to geographical borders, which then leads to the creation of a culture that is bound together by global events. Technology has not only increased the speed in which cultural values, ideas, and practices are experienced and exchanged, but has allowed them to be instantaneously experienced despite oceans and borders. Film franchises that have impacted mass culture are: Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and James Bond. What sets these franchises apart from other films is how they brought people together, and how they became relevant aspects in the lives of generations. Additionally, the themes in these franchises have impacted the way that we as a society view the world. “20 years later Harry Potter has proved to be not only a pop-culture phenomenon but a lasting influence on a generation dedicated to social and political activism” (Yasharoff, 2018).
The article by Paicu (2017), goes on to discuss how public deaths, marriages, divorces, and births can be pivotal moments that also impact society, and form mass culture. These particular events shaped mass culture, not solely because they were public figures, but because they impacted society as a whole through a singular event. Examples of public deaths would be: Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and JFK. The marriage between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, is another example. Outside of public figures, the events of 9/11 was a moment that impacted global society. “The events of 9/11 not only reshaped the global response to terrorism, but raised new and troubling questions about security, privacy, and treatment of prisoners” (BU Today Staff, 2021).
“To be able to cope with our modern environment, we, the members of modern society, must keep in touch with each other and always be aware of what happens around us” (Paicu, 2017). As technology continues to develop, so do our methods of communication. Rather than waiting for days or weeks to receive a letter, we now have the ability to instantly communicate via text message or calling. Additionally, social media has opened the vastness of cross cultural communication, increasing the levels of engagement and awareness. Technology has influenced mass media, which in turn has shaped mass culture. Below is a video that shows moments that have impacted current mass culture.
References
BU Today Staff. (2018). How 9/11 Changed the World. Boston University. How 9/11 Changed the World | BU Today.
Niroula, A. (2018). Impacts of technology on culture, tradition and social values. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/impacts-technology-culture-tradition-social-values-ashes-niroula/
Paicu, A. (2017). Mass culture/mass communication/mass media. (English). Annals of the Constantin Brancusi University of Targu Jiu-Letters & Social Sciences Series, 237–243.
Yasharoff, H. (2018). 'Dumbledore's Army': How 'Harry Potter' inspired a generation of young activists. USA Today. 'Dumbledore's Army': How 'Harry Potter' inspired a generation of young activists
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