Top 3 Examples of Popular Culture That Shaped the 2010s
The past decade has witnessed the rise of social media, digital technology, and streaming services, which have greatly influenced the way we consume and interact with media and entertainment. Some of the most significant changes in popular culture in the 2010s have been driven by innovative, disruptive companies that have transformed the landscape of the media industry. Here are the top three examples of popular culture that shaped the 2010s.
The Rise of Netflix and Streaming Services
The emergence of streaming services, particularly Netflix, has had a profound impact on the entertainment industry. In the early 2010s, Netflix shifted from being a DVD rental service to a streaming platform, allowing users to access unlimited content for a monthly fee. This model disrupted the traditional television industry, which relied on advertising and scheduled programming.
As a result, the 2010s saw the rise of binge-watching and the decline of appointment television. Streaming services allowed for the creation of original content that challenged traditional modes of storytelling, leading to new and diverse voices in television. Shows like “Orange Is the New Black” and “Stranger Things” became cultural phenomena, while the concept of streaming-as-cinema led to the release of critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated films like “Roma” and “The Irishman.”
The Popularity of Superhero Films
The 2010s were defined by the rise of the superhero genre in film. With the release of “Iron Man” in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was born, beginning a cultural phenomenon that has dominated the box office for the past decade. The success of the MCU has led to the creation of other superhero universes, like the DC Extended Universe and the X-Men franchise.
Superhero films have become a cultural event, with the latest releases generating massive box office earnings and social media buzz. “Avengers: Endgame” became the highest-grossing film of all time, while “Black Panther” was celebrated for its representation of black excellence and cultural significance. The popularity of superhero films shows no signs of slowing down in the coming decade.
The Importance of Social Media and Memes
Social media has become an integral part of popular culture in the 2010s, shaping the way we communicate and consume media. Memes, in particular, have become a significant aspect of popular culture, with viral images and videos spreading quickly across the internet. Memes have become a way of expressing cultural opinions and capturing the essence of meme culture.
Social media has also led to the rise of influencer culture, where individuals with large followings on platforms like Instagram and YouTube have become celebrities in their own right. The importance of social media was highlighted by the viral success of songs like “Old Town Road,” which became a hit through TikTok and other social media platforms.
Conclusion
The 2010s were a decade of change and innovation in popular culture. Netflix and streaming services transformed the way we consume television and cinema, while superhero films dominated the box office and became a cultural event. Social media and memes played a significant role in shaping popular culture, allowing for new voices and fan communities to emerge. As we move into a new decade, it will be exciting to see how popular culture continues to evolve and shape the world around us.
