To understand current trends in , one must look at the technological leaps that fragmented and then re-globalized attention. In the 20th century, entertainment was a "cathedral" culture: a few monolithic gatekeepers (Hollywood studios, major record labels, network TV) dictated what the public consumed. Content was scarce, and attention was abundant.
Original stories are becoming rarer in theaters. Media conglomerates prioritize Intellectual Property (IP)
"User-Generated Content" (UGC) is now a dominant force in popular media. A teenager in their bedroom can command an audience larger than a network television show. This democratization has brought diverse voices to the forefront, allowing for niche communities—from "BookTok" to "Gaming YouTube"—to flourish and influence mainstream trends. The Algorithm as the New Gatekeeper
Which of these would you prefer?