The Negative Influence Of MTV In The 2000's

Throughout the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s, MTV has not only changed the music industry but influenced society in many ways. MTV changed the way people viewed music on August 1, 1981 when the channel made it first appearance. From the moment, the colorful, fast paced network was aired people from all over the world were affected. However, MTVs influence over the past few years has altered in a drastic way as well as the look and feel of it. The music, shows aired and style of MTV all play a part in its effect of the music industry as well as society.
In the 1980’s MTV helped generate bands like Duran Duran and Boy Georges Culture Club. Before MTV fans of artist only heard music on radios and never knew much about the artist they were listening to.
Music videos changed that because fans could see what their favorite artist were wearing. Through their interviews they gave artist, we could know more about them while getting a visual of them and what they were talking about. Different artist made different music and it had a huge impact on its listeners. For example, rock and hip-hop influenced rebellion and revolution amongst those who listened to the genre. MTV would have introduced these genres though the acts of unknown artist that people had never seen before. The music videos that people started spending more money on to create changed the way we experienced music. In the 80’s MTVs helped give music a certain look and attitude with sound it played.
Nonetheless the 80’s went and MTV adapted to the new music of the 90’s. Grunge bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana were brought into the world. MTV surpassed expectations when they created more than music and started to air shows like “Beavis and Butthead,” “Unplugged,” and the “The Real World.” As a matter of fact, “The Real World” starred gay cast members. Characters such as Ruthie and Pedro influenced others in the closet that it was okay to be gay and come out from hiding. Normal televisions view of teen potential was of little value however; MTV used their visual music medium to obtain a large unexploited audience. During the 90’s music started to take a more influential part in people’s lives, mostly teenagers. In this era teens began to rebel against authority and weren’t afraid to be weird. MTV utilizes its influence as a candid media citizen, intensifying social awareness and nurturing cultural evolution.
Lastly, MTV in the 2000’s has drastically changed.
With barely any positive influence it has become less and less culturally aware. Its biggest impact today would be the lifestyle that they glamorize though music videos and reality television. Most of what would see when turning on MTV are new and talent lacking artist. These same artists glamorize sex, drugs, alcohol, and violence through visualization and music. However, MTV has brought more awareness to teens about the dangerous effects of tobacco and are more open minded to same sex relationships. That goes without saying that the entire style of MTV has changed. You will see a generation that wears less clothing and more accessories. Not only is the style different but you can see that most artist on MTV are obsessed with what they have on more than what’s going on in the world. Hairstyles such as braids and bantu knots are more popular because of celebrities shown on MTV are wearing them. Yet the culture behind the style is not given credit nor respected. MTV today doesn’t have as big as an influence on society today and when they do it is predominately negative.
In conclusion, the MTVs clout over the decades has affected the music industry and society though visualization and sublimation. They use their power over the camera to encourage their viewers throughout the years. When considering the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s, the 90’s are by far the best decade that MTV has ever had the privilege of seeing. Through MTVs visual hooks, quick-cut editing and hand-held cameras, they have swayed years of generations gone, now, a and to
come.