Final answer:
Popular culture refers to widely accepted cultural artifacts that influence everyday life, covering music, television, literature, and social media. Throughout the decades, icons like Michael Jackson in the 80s and Harry Potter in the 00s have defined pop culture. Today, social media platforms like TikTοk represent the forefront of these influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Popular culture, often referred to as pop culture, is a set of practices, beliefs, and objects that are dominant or prevalent in a society at a given point in time. Pop culture encompasses the aspects of social life most actively involved in by the public. As the 'pop' suggests, this kind of culture is broadly accessible and widely accepted by a large audience, predominately influenced by mass media and reflecting the prevailing tastes of the public.
Here are pop culture icons from the recent decades:
- 1980s: Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, dominated the decade with his music and unique style.
- 1990s: The sitcom Friends became an international sensation, influencing fashion and language.
- 2000s: Harry Potter, both as books and movies, captivated audiences worldwide and inspired a massive fandom.
- 2010s: The Marvel Cinematic Universe expanded significantly, influencing film and entertainment industries globally.
- 2020s: Social media influencers and platforms, such as TikTοk, are shaping the current pop culture landscape.
The impact of pop culture is extensive and can be seen in our everyday life from the music we listen to, to the clothes we wear, and even the way we speak. It reflects and shapes societal norms, and sometimes it can even act as a lens for social commentary or a way to push cultural boundaries.