The internet, and specifically the rise of social media platforms, dismantled this hierarchy. We have entered the age of the "Creator Economy." Today, a teenager in a bedroom with a ring light and a decent internet connection can reach more people than a mid-tier cable news show.
Algorithms do not care about quality, truth, or artistic merit. They OopsFamily.23.11.13.Kay.Lovely.Family.Crush.XXX...
This democratization has led to a diversification of voices. Niche content—whether it is deep-dives into obscure history, tutorials on sustainable gardening, or indie music production—can now find its audience without needing mass-market appeal. The definition of "popular media" has fractured from a monolith into a thousand subcultures, each with its own stars and canon. The internet, and specifically the rise of social