Today if you think pop culture, you are most likely to think any make-up, clothing or fragrance line released by the Kardashian-Jenner clan, the rise of Tik Tok or the comeback of 90s fashion trends.

Although pop culture does not cure diseases, end world hunger or protect nations there is something to be said about how pop culture reveals the different phases of humanity throughout history. Pop culture contributes to understanding humanity, our tendencies and the human experience.

What is pop culture? Popular culture also known as mass culture describes a set of practices, beliefs or objects that are dominant or prevalent in society at a given point in time. Pop culture’s first major influencer was William Shakespeare. Pop culture was globalised through travellers exploring and bringing new cultural experiences and customs back home.

Today pop culture creates a global village through shared experiences and trends. It dates to 16th century England and gives humanity insight into human behaviour dating back centuries and, in some ways, allows us to glimpse into the future as there is nothing new under the sun.

Now, instead of mindlessly scrolling through Instagram for hours, we can look at social media with a new purpose. A new perspective allows us to get a first-hand understanding of human desires, flaws and interests and question why we do, like and follow.

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Layla Traci van Sitters