We live in an age of near-limitless entertainment, as the film, TV and gaming industries have grown larger than ever to meet the insatiable demand of consumers all over the world.
Today, streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu, as well as online gaming platforms, have become the primary ways people consume media and entertainment. While these platforms host a variety of different content, much of it is increasingly being driven by social, political or educational purposes. Many forms of entertainment today are created to be used as tools for learning, activism or self-improvement. Are we now shifting away from entertainment being used purely for enjoyment?
Entertainment Throughout History
Entertainment has existed in some form throughout human history, though it’s evolved and changed significantly alongside societal development and technological advancements. Cave paintings, storytelling and primitive musical instruments were some of the first recorded forms of entertainment. These were likely used to document events and pass on histories.
Over time, humans moved away from hunter-gather lifestyles and began farming and building cities. As human life changed, so did entertainment. Organised sports, board games, literature and theatrical performances all emerged from the civilisations of Mesopotamia and ancient Greece. These forms of entertainment mirrored the societal structures and beliefs of the time.
Through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, plays and theatre became professionalised, with playwrights and actors establishing theatre companies and permanent playhouses. In the 19th century, the printing press made literature more accessible, while cinema began to emerge in the early 20th century.
In the 20th century, gaming began to be popularised too, with modern gaming platforms often taking inspiration from early games and designs.
Video games like Minecraft and Grand Theft Auto, and online casino platforms like the MegawaysCasino, provide immersive experiences created for no purpose other than pure enjoyment, mirroring the kind of entertainment that we’ve become used to over the years. Throughout history, entertainment was developed as a form of escapism, while also telling stories that were relevant to the cultures of the time. Many early films and TV shows focused on light-heartedness or emotion rather than necessarily trying to tell a message. However, this has shifted over time as filmmakers and writers have sought to create content that resonates with audiences.
The Rise of Purpose-Driven Content
TV shows and films have become increasingly conscious over time, with narratives that make audiences think as well as providing entertainment. Many of the shows and films that are considered among the best have had some kind of message or intent beyond simply telling a story. Whether it’s a commentary on technology or society, or a study of a character, these forms of entertainment can do more than simply entertain.
While messaging in entertainment is often relatively subtle, the shift towards purpose-driven content has also seen a growing amount of content which has an overt message. Streaming platforms have helped make socially conscious shows and documentaries more accessible to the average person, and in the drive to generate more content, creating dramas that actively talk about current issues has become more common.
There’s been a rise in the popularity of so-called infotainment, shows and films which are designed to spread a message while also telling a story. While writers had previously left audiences to make their own interpretations, modern entertainment is increasingly showing audiences what they should think or feel about certain topics or ideas.
The Influence of Social Media
Social media has had its own impact on the entertainment industry, with many consumers now preferring short-form content compared to hour-long episodes or multiple-hour films. What’s more, a growing number of audiences get their media recommendations from social media clips and content.
Video sharing platforms such as TikTok and YouTube can amplify social causes related to entertainment, with fans sharing their favourite clips and creating discussions around new episodes. Online discourse around new content helps to push audiences toward socially relevant shows and films, with many audiences choosing to watch content that aligns with their beliefs.
The fear of missing out on social conversations can also lead to purpose-driven shows and content being must-watch, especially for younger demographics. In addition, audiences can share their interpretations of content much more readily, and the nature of social media means that people are more likely to align to the most popular interpretation.
Are We Losing the Joy of Pure Escapism?
Many viewers have felt overloaded with the increase in purpose-driven content. Although this type of media is often interesting and informative, it lacks the pure escapism that audiences previously watched films and shows for. There’s a real nostalgia for entertainment that can be enjoyed without having to think such as feel-good sitcoms, cosy games and films with a basic premise and no overt message.
