Part 11/13:
The scope of what is considered "pop culture" has expanded considerably over the past decade. Where once it might have meant solely movies, music, and television IP franchises, today it encompasses social media trends, internet influencers, and viral memes. This widened definition influences how media outlets curate and present content; what appeals to Gen Z often involves a blend of entertainment and fleeting political commentary.
This expansion benefits outlets like Pop Crave and Pop Base, who can leverage trending political issues to boost engagement without sacrificing their core entertainment content. Yet, it also complicates the audience's ability to distinguish between entertainment and factual information, especially when political bias is subtly embedded.