In 2021, popular culture is evolving at an unprecedented pace. With the rise of social media and the continuous blurring of the lines between reality and fiction, popular culture is increasingly difficult to define. However, there are certain trends emerging this year that are driving the most popular culture worldwide. In this comprehensive analysis, we’re going to examine these trends closely.
The Influence of TikTok
It’s no secret that TikTok has taken over the world by storm. Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has grown into a massive social media platform that boasts over a billion active users worldwide. The short-form video app has become a huge driving force behind the most popular culture in 2021. TikTok’s algorithm chooses what content is popular, and users’ tastes and preferences determine this.
Since the pandemic, TikTok has been helping people adapt to the ‘new normal’ by creating viral challenges that people can do from the comfort of their homes. Dance challenges and fashion and makeup tutorials are a growing trend. For example, “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion became popular on TikTok challenging users to create their videos with the song.
The Rise of K-Pop
South Korean pop, or K-Pop for short, has been steadily gaining popularity worldwide, increasingly in the United States. This year, K-pop has taken over many charts, and it’s no surprise that the genre is one of the most popular cultures in 2021.
BTS is one of the most popular boy bands in the world. Their music has been at the top of the charts in many countries globally. They have also gained a massive following on social media platforms, particularly Twitter. Many other K-pop groups have also come into prominence, including BLACKPINK, TXT, and EXO.
Social Justice Movements
2021 has been a year of social awakening. The year began with Black Lives Matter protests globally, resulting in significant changes in the United States, most notably the conviction of former police officer, Derek Chauvin, for the murder of George Floyd. Social justice topics speak to the younger generation, and there is a move towards change presently. Activism on social media is a growing trend.
The Impact of Streaming Services
The pandemic had a lasting impact on how consumers watch TV and film. The need for social distancing had led many to turn to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Consequently, streaming services have become one of the most popular cultures in 2021.
The release of Netflix’s Bridgerton, increased its popularity more than ever, propelling it to become one of Netflix’s most-watched shows. This year alone, many other Netflix originals like the true-crime series “The Serpent’ and superhero series ‘Jupiter’s Legacy’ have gained massive popularity. Disney Plus has also released several successful series such as ‘The Falcon and Winter Soldier’ and ‘WandaVision.’
Conclusion
As we can see, popular culture in 2021 is evolving, offering a wide range of trends. From Tiktok, K-Pop, and social Justice movements to streaming services, the once-distinct lines of popular culture are increasingly blurring, and it has become difficult to define precisely what popular culture is. Understanding these trends and how they interact is key to comprehending and staying current with popular culture, as well as how it impacts society.
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