There’s Too Much Damn Content
As always, we can point the blame at one thing — engagement metrics
This article was originally published on my Substack, Trend Mill. Subscribe for critical takes on our dystopian metaverse hellscape future.
As a society, we love to talk about the latest buzzy thing — a movie, a song, a TV show, a dumb viral TikTok dance, a podcast, whatever it may be. Many people are guilty of wrapping their whole identities around being seen to watch, listen and know what’s “in.” We want to share in these moments and live through them together. They also provide ample small talk to save us from awkward voids of silence in workplaces, social gatherings and the dining table.
Yet a typical conversation with me about anything in this bracket — let’s call it cultural content — goes a little something like this;
Them: “Have you seen that show? It’s so good.”
Me: “No, I’ll add it to my list.”
Them: “Have you heard that new podcast? It’s amazing.”
Me: “No, I’ll add it to my list.”
Them: “Have you seen that new movie? It’s a 10/10.”
Me: “No, I’ll add it to my list.”
My list is full. Well, it would be. But I’ve got a confession to make — there is…