The 20th century was defined by scarcity and appointment viewing. Three major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) in the US, along with major film studios, controlled what audiences watched and when. Entertainment content was designed for the lowest common denominator to maximize reach (e.g., sitcoms, variety shows, blockbuster films). Popular media acted as a “cultural thermostat,” setting shared national conversations. However, the introduction of cable television, the VCR, and later the internet fragmented this model. Niche channels (MTV, ESPN, HBO) proved that specialized content could be profitable, paving the way for today’s on-demand, personalized media landscape.
AI is already writing scripts, generating voice overs for audiobooks, and creating deepfake performances. In the near future, might be fully personalized. Imagine a romantic comedy where the AI swaps out the lead actor for your favorite celebrity and changes the jokes to fit your humor profile. The legal and ethical implications (Scarlett Johansson’s recent dispute with OpenAI is a preview) will be massive.
Furthermore, serves three primary psychological functions: