Pop culture is constantly evolving and is of great interest to the younger generation. It involves many things, including modern fashion, music, entertainment and so on. As this culture expands and interest grows, it becomes more lucrative, explaining the unprecedented growth in the entertainment and technology industries. For example, the volume of worldwide VR headset sales is projected to increase for the fifth consecutive year by 2028. It attests to the success of technological breakthroughs and the impact of pop culture on society. Here are some 2023 pop culture trends to watch.
- The rise of Virtual Reality (VR) experiences
1968 holds many remarkable historic events that became a turning point for the United States of America. Among these events was Apollo 8 orbiting the moon, a scientific feat still discussed today. However, one less-known fact is Virtual Reality’s birth in the same year. American Scientist Ivan Sutherland and his students invented the first-ever VR tool. Since then, hours of research and finetuning have made VR what it is today. Virtual Reality has steadily gained traction and, from all indications, is set to break the proverbial ceiling. It is even more interesting that gaming companies have bought into the idea and made Virtual Reality even more attractive. For example, major companies like Sony and Oculus announced the release of highly anticipated VR games late last year. True to their word, they released the widely loved Resident Evil 4: VR Edition and Lone Echo II. You need to watch these with the VR experience to know what the craze is all about. Again, in entertainment, renowned artists Travis Scott and Billie Eilish add a VR touch to their live concerts. Now that is something worth your ticket.
2. Streaming wars intensify, and there seems to be no end
The battle for streaming dominance continues unabated, and that is an interesting 2023 pop culture trend. Streaming services have invested heavily in original content this year alone to captivate audiences and outshine their competitors. For example, Netflix’s blockbuster series “Stranger Things” is set to release its highly anticipated fifth season. Indeed, several streaming companies have seen the revenue streaming brings and bought into the idea. Meanwhile, Amazon Prime Video produced a much-awaited fantasy series based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” It promised to be an epic viewing experience for fans, and that is exactly what they delivered. As expected, the younger generation recorded the highest viewership, confirming pop culture’s effect on this group.
3. Nostalgia reigns supreme
In an era where nostalgia has become a powerful force, pop culture in 2023 embraces the past with open arms. Reboots, remakes, and sequels are gaining immense popularity as they tap into the fond memories of previous generations while attracting new fans. You will not be wrong to say this is an excellent way to capture age groups who may not necessarily be considered ‘youth’ anymore. For example, if you enjoyed certain films and TV shows at 20, you will likely enjoy the sequels or remakes in your 40s. For instance, The Matrix was first released in 1999 and made impressive gains that same year. By 2006, the franchise had increased to $ 3 billion in revenue, and there seemed to be no end to how much more profit could be made. You could say that nostalgia played a big role in the film’s success when Matrix Resurrections was released in December 2021. Apart from its financial success, it also satisfied the teeming older public who wanted something to remind them of their younger years.
4. Empowering representations
If you never thought much of diversity and inclusivity, now will be an excellent time to do so. These two have become essential twin components of pop culture. This year, there has been a greater emphasis on authentic representation across various mediums. Indeed, diversity and inclusivity transcend the working environment. Suppose you have been a keen follower of social issues. In that case, you will notice that diversity and inclusivity are topical and sensitive issues, explaining why many organizations and industries make it a point to observe these two. In the film space, for instance, Marvel Studios released “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” The movie featured a predominantly Asian cast, which ultimately projected Asian culture. After its initial release, it achieved critical acclaim and broke box office records. That alone highlighted the demand for diverse and empowering narratives.
5. Celebrity influence and social responsibility
Celebrities hold significant sway over popular culture, explaining why people, especially the youth, are ever ready to listen to or copy their most-loved celebrities. According to research, one area in which celebrities have such influence is beauty trends and fashion. A typical example is haircare, where influential figures like Rihanna, Chrissy Teigen, and Jennifer Lopez often sport exciting hair-highlighting trends. It has grown popular, and everyone who admires the streaks goes for it. If you want to add a touch of color to your hair like your favorite celebrity, why not explore these partial balayage ideas to find what works best for you?
Meanwhile, other celebrities use their influence to drive positive change, spearheading several environmental causes. If you love the National Geographic channel, you might have seen impactful environmental documentaries inspired by celebrities, like Sea of Shadows and The Ivory Game.
6. E-Sports ascend to new heights
E-Sports, the competitive world of video gaming, continues to surge in popularity. Video gaming experts have already projected that the industry will generate a staggering $1.1 billion in revenue by the end of this year. The knowledge of this alone has attracted global audiences, sponsorships, and avid video gamers. You will also notice that gamers constantly seek new video games to sustain their interest. Fortunately, game tournaments like the League of Legends World Championship and the Fortnite World Cup continue to draw millions of viewers. Another thing sustaining interest in these games is the substantial prize pool offerings. Therefore, in many people’s minds, E-Sports’ position is further entrenched as a significant player in the video game entertainment space.
7. AI-generated content
Artificial Intelligence is not only shaping technology but also influencing the creative sphere. This year alone, AI-generated content has increased, making waves in music, art, writing, and much more. With special algorithms, AI generates original music compositions in any genre. It has given rise to the debate about Artificial Intelligence continually blurring the lines between human creativity and machine innovation. Even more exciting is that people of all ages are using AI in one form or the other. Therefore, you will find different age groups engrossed with Prisma, DeepArt, Bard, ChatGPT, and so on. Moreover, with AI filters and computer-generated features, people transform simple photographs into stunning works of art. Undoubtedly, the boundaries continue to be pushed and popularize several art forms.
8. Fan base communities
Pop culture fandom has become a global phenomenon, making fan bases popular worldwide. Online communities dedicated to specific shows, movies, or artists flourish, forming passionate fan bases that connect and engage through social media platforms. A prime example is the BTS Army, the dedicated fanbase of the South Korean boy band BTS. The group’s enthusiastic support on platforms like Twitter and TikTok has helped propel BTS to international stardom, showcasing the immense influence of fan communities. Indeed, fan base communities have existed for many years but have become more popular and regarded in 2023. For many who belong to such communities, it is a mark of pride and gives a sense of belonging.
Last but not least, Tik Tok has become a dominant force in the social media landscape. This platform started creative activities like the Spicy Food and Lip Sync challenges. Now, you can see how pop culture has become the background to many trends taking center stage worldwide.