Entertainment media is considered a universal language because of its ability to connect people around the world. Films, television series, music, and books are often adapted and translated to facilitate international consumption. And on a smaller scale, deep connections and lasting friendships often emerge.
One of the greatest joys in life is being able to bond over common interests, whether with someone across the ocean or right next door.
At Lehigh, first-year students seek out people with whom they share common hobbies and passions. Conversations about common interests are probably one of the easiest ways to make new friends.
Entertainment media can help individuals not only form new friendships, but also nurture and nurture existing relationships, regardless of distance or time. Many families, siblings, or even friends have TV shows or books to sit down and enjoy together.
These forms of media act as bridges in relationships that can span years and thousands of miles.
Some people associate others with certain forms of entertainment consumption because such media can evoke feelings of nostalgia and evoke memories that may have been lost in the past.
These connections have the power to sustain relationships.
As we live in a world dominated by social media, it’s important to recognize the value of alternative forms of media and their power to foster deeper, longer-lasting connections.
It is a shared cultural and social experience, not just passive consumption.
Whether it’s the stories that inspire us, the music that moves us, or the movies that make us think, entertainment media continues to be an important part of our social fabric.
For example, every Monday, thousands of football fans from all over the country gather at the same time to watch NFL games. And for those connected to a particular team, sending a quick text message to family and friends who share your passion can help you stay connected.
And in the music industry, fans around the world are glued to their phones, waiting for their favorite artists to drop albums at 12am.
For example, this April, long-distance friends bonded over FaceTime over their favorite artists, estranged mothers and daughters gathered to enjoy soothing tunes, and millions of people around the world Thousands of fans listened to Taylor Swift’s new album at the same time.
A recent example of media bringing people together is the release of Tyler, the Creator’s new album Chromacopia.
Ahead of its October 28th release, fans buzz about the release of Tyler, The Creator’s new album Chromacopia, bond over little snippets from Tyler and speculate which artists will be featured on the album I tried.
Television series can also evoke these feelings and connections, as many people release shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Bachelor” on a weekly basis. Whether you’re attending a watch party, watching alone, texting, or excitedly talking about it with friends the next day, this shared interest creates lasting bonds.
We have a family movie marathon every year, and I call my sister weekly to tell her about the emails I always get from childhood friends about my favorite basketball team, songs that remind me of high school carpools, my latest reading, and other small entertainment media. It is near and dear to our hearts.
Social media trends come and go at a fast pace, but music, movies, books, and television will forever be immortalized in pop culture.
Unlike many other things, entertainment media keeps good memories alive. That’s because they serve as a good form of nostalgia.
Just saying something like, “Remember…” always sparks a heartfelt conversation and brings back memories of shows, songs, movies, and books from your childhood.
It also gently reminds us to reconnect with the people we share those memories with, strengthening our bonds through shared joys of the past and using it as a way to stay relevant in the present.
Entertainment media has successfully created moments that remain memorable long after the credits roll or the last page is turned.
Think about that song that never really gets old, or the aroma of a certain dish that always brings back memories of your favorite show.
Remember how easily a long-lost connection can be rekindled by simply referencing a classic movie or favorite book.
It’s these moments of shared fun that strengthen the lasting bonds that entertainment creates.
It is now up to us to cherish these moments, recognize their ability to deepen our relationships, and ensure that entertainment remains an integral part of the way we relate to each other. I am.
