How Pop Culture in the 1980s Still Influences Society Today
The 1980s were a time that produced some of the most iconic pop culture moments in history. From movies like Back to the Future and Ghostbusters to the emergence of MTV, the impact of the 80s is still felt today. But how exactly did the pop culture of the 80s shape the way we view the world around us today?
The Rise of Technology
The 80s saw a rapid increase in the use of personal computers and home video game consoles. The introduction of the Apple Macintosh and the IBM PC paved the way for the technological revolution we see today. The use of computers for personal use and gaming was popularized by households across the world. In fact, it was during the 80s that video games first became a billion-dollar industry.
We see the impact of this technological revolution today in our constant reliance on devices and the internet. Smartphones, laptops, and social media are now integral parts of our daily lives. The advancements made in the 80s laid the foundation for what has become a fully connected world.
The Power of Music and MTV
In 1981, MTV launched and became the first TV channel to air music videos 24/7. This was revolutionary, as it was the first time that music videos were given such a platform. Suddenly, artists were not only judged on the quality of their music, but also the creativity of their videos.
This had a ripple effect on society, as music videos became a way to communicate ideas and messages through visuals. It also gave rise to an entirely new form of entertainment, as people could now consume music in a visual format. The impact of MTV can still be seen today in the way we consume and share music through social media platforms.
Cinematic Culture
The 80s saw the release of some of the most iconic movies of all time. From action-packed blockbusters like Die Hard and Indiana Jones to comedies like The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the movies of the 80s have become a cornerstone of modern cinema.
The impact of the cinematic culture of the 80s is still felt today. It gave rise to the trend of franchise movies and sequels that we see today. The success of movies like the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises laid the foundation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and other major franchises that dominate the box office today.
The Impact of Consumerism
The 80s saw the rise of consumerism, as people began to define themselves by their possessions. The birth of advertising during this era gave companies new ways to target consumers, and the rise of the credit card made it easier for people to spend money they didn’t have.
Today, we still see the impact of consumerism in our daily lives. We live in a world where products are marketed to us constantly, and we are bombarded by ads on social media and television. The consumerist culture of the 80s gave rise to a society that values possessions and material wealth, and this is something that we still see today in our constant pursuit of the latest gadgets and trends.
Conclusion
The impact of the 1980s on modern society cannot be understated. The technological revolution, the rise of music videos, the cinematic culture, and the birth of consumerism have all had a profound effect on the way we see the world around us today.
The 80s were a time of change and innovation, and the legacy of this era can still be seen in the way we live our lives. From the way we consume media to the way we define ourselves through our possessions, the influence of 1980s pop culture is still felt today in numerous ways.
