Introduction: Pop Culture in 2022
Pop culture is ever-evolving, and 2022 promises to bring exciting new trends and changes that everyone’s eagerly looking forward to. Over the past few years, we’ve seen notable developments, including the rise of social media influencers, the creation of new streaming services, and the resurgence of 90s nostalgia. With the events of 2020 and 2021, we can’t help but wonder what else the future holds for pop culture in 2022.
Trend 1: The Continued Growth of TikTok
TikTok has already been a sensation, with over a billion active users worldwide, and this growth is far from over. TikTok has already surpassed Instagram as the most downloaded app and is set to continue its meteoric rise. With new features such as Q&A, three-minute long videos, and even more creators coming on board, TikTok’s influence on pop culture is set to soar in 2022.
Trend 2: The Return of Classic TV Shows
Thanks to streaming services, old shows from the 90s such as “Friends” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” have seen a resurgence in popularity. In 2022, viewers will continue to embrace these classic TV shows, and we can expect reboots, remakes, and continuations of other beloved shows. These programs will attract both old and new audiences, with older viewers revisiting their favorite nostalgia-inducing shows and younger viewers enjoying them for the first time.
Trend 3: Augmented Reality Takes Center Stage
Augmented reality, or AR, has been on the rise for a few years, and 2022 seems to be the year when it will hit critical mass. With the release of Apple’s ARKit 5 and Android’s ARCore 2.0, we can expect a significant increase in the use of AR in mobile apps, video games, and social media. Expect to see augmented reality filters, game functions, and other innovative applications.
Trend 4: The Growth of Esports
Esports has seen an impressive growth path, and it’s set to continue in 2022. With the rise of online gaming, esports enthusiasts form a massive community that is only getting bigger. Esports tournaments continue to get more extensive, with better production values, sponsorship deals, and live-stream viewership. In 2022 we can expect even more significant developments in esports.
Trend 5: Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) Go Mainstream
Non-Fungible tokens or NFTs have made a remarkable statement this year, and in 2022, they are set to go mainstream. NFTs have been used in various art sales, sports memorabilia, and even tweets. It is expected to continue this trend, and it’s only a matter of time until more people get in on the action. NFTs could become a popular way for artists to sell their creations, and we can expect to see more galleries, auctions, and offerings that include NFTs.
Conclusion: Predictions for 2022
The future of pop culture is always unpredictable, but with these five predictions, we have a glimpse into what the future could look like. From augmented reality to esports to NFTs, 2022 is set to be an exciting year for pop culture. While some trends may be more widespread than others, they all indicate that the future of pop culture is continually evolving. It’s exhilarating to think about what other innovations and trends will emerge in the years to come.
