With the rapid evolution of technology, social media has transformed the way we consume and create content. Gone are the days when we sat passively, hanging on to every word from celebrities and mainstream media. Today, anyone with internet access and a passion can share their voice with the world. From your roommate to someone across the globe, everyday people can now reach massive audiences. Someone can clock out from their nine-to-five job and still engage with hundreds of thousands of followers online. This advancement of media has its benefits, but it also raises some concerns.
The Problem: Who Deserves A Mic?
With this newfound ability to be heard by millions, the podcast world has exploded. It seems like everyone you know has their own podcast now. Topics vary from self-help to pop culture and niche interests—but not all content is created equal.
This sparks the question: Who should we be listening to, and what voices are we amplifying?
Take, for instance, Emma Chamberlain’s podcast, where she opens up about mental health. It’s raw, relatable and offers a sense of solidarity for listeners. It helps viewers feel seen and understood. These kinds of podcasts help uplift audiences by sharing positive and useful ideas.
Unfortunately, not all podcasts share this intention. Some creators use their platform to spread harmful ideologies on race, gender and sexuality. The “Whatever” podcast, for example, has been criticized for degrading women, reducing them to superficial judgments based on looks or their perceived worth. This not only reduces people to toxic stereotypes but also has real-world consequences for the way we perceive each other.
The Consequence of Amplifying Harmful Voices
The question isn’t just who has the right to speak, but what responsibility comes with being handed a microphone. While it’s amazing that people from all walks of life can now share their experiences and perspectives, not everyone uses social media for good. The rise of hateful and damaging content, under the guise of “free speech” or “just joking,” is concerning. What happens when the loudest voices are also the most harmful?
In a world where content is consumed at a rapid rate, we need to be more mindful of what we support. The allure of controversy or shock value might drive listens or clicks, but it also normalizes harmful behaviors and ideologies. We should ask ourselves: What are we willing to accept in the name of entertainment?
What’s your opinion on the podcast epidemic?” Tag @VALLEYmag on Instagram or X with your thoughts!
