

Is Pop Culture Worse Than Ever?
197 snips May 9, 2025
Spencer Kornhaber, a Staff writer at The Atlantic known for his insights on pop culture, dives deep into the current state of American entertainment. He discusses the stagnation in pop culture, highlighting the prevalence of sequels and nostalgia-driven media. The conversation explores the rise of 'brain rot' and consumer isolation in music, and the challenges of modern artistic expression. Kornhaber also reflects on the illusion of innovation and the cyclical nature of creativity, suggesting that these trends might not be as dire as they seem.
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Dopamine Fuels Endless Desire
- Dopamine drives wanting, not liking, so culture fuels endless desire but less satisfaction.
- Pop culture feels like a virtual casino, causing consumers to crave more yet enjoy less.
Old Music Dominates Streaming
- About 75% of streamed music is old, showing a preference for nostalgia over new songs.
- TikTok flattens cultural time, letting old hits compete with new music, favoring the past.
Data Locks Art in The Past
- Entertainment companies heavily invest in old music catalogs, prioritizing proven hits over new creations.
- Data-driven algorithms favor familiar content, hindering innovation and encouraging repetition.