The Sam Sanders Show Did Social Media Kill the Dance Floor?
Jan 13, 2026
In this lively discussion, Elias Leight, a music business reporter for The Wall Street Journal, examines the curious trend of young people shying away from dancing due to social media fears. He highlights how this phenomenon affects live performances and artists' interactions with audiences. The conversation covers the clash between TikTok choreography and spontaneous dancing, the impact of societal pressures on personal expression, and the potential of phone-free shows to revive the dance floor vibe. Practical tips for reinvigorating the groove wrap up their engaging chat.
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Surveillance Anxiety Silences Dance Floors
- Younger concertgoers worry about being filmed and going viral for awkward dancing, which suppresses spontaneous movement.
- Elias Leight argues this surveillance anxiety has become widespread enough that mainstream artists are noticing and warning about it.
Austin Butler Viral Clip Illustrates The Risk
- Elias Leight recounts the viral Austin Butler clip at a Bad Bunny show where Butler awkwardly swayed and later explained an edible caused it.
- Leight notes celebrities can explain themselves but regular people risk lasting mockery when caught on video.
Choreographed Viral Dances Vs. Spontaneous Moves
- TikTok dance culture increases visible dancing but favors rehearsed, tightly controlled routines.
- Elias Leight contrasts that with spontaneous club dancing, which people now avoid for fear of imperfect, viral moments.