In the bustling soundscape of 2023, podcasts have taken center stage, becoming integral to how young adults consume information and connect with the world.
The saturation — or should we call it over-saturation? — of podcasts, has sparked a shift in communication dynamics, prompting reflections on influence, engagement, and the unintended consequences of personal relationships.
Damian Jean-Baptiste, a fourth-year statistics major at Florida State University, believes that podcasting is currently at its peak.
“You consume podcasts of the people you aspire to be like. So you’re going to listen to what they say, whether it’s right or wrong,” Jean-Baptiste said.
This underscores the power of podcasts as not just a source of entertainment but as influential platforms for shaping opinions and attitudes among youth.
Austin Wright, a fourth-year public health major, highlights the market-driven nature of podcasting.
“Certain parts are posted online to get engagement.” Wright said. “At this point, it’s a market; if it’s popping at the moment, influencers are going to hop on.”
Wright also touches on a more personal aspect.
“I wouldn’t let a podcast open a can of worms in my relationship,” Wright said.
This sentiment raises questions about the potential influence of podcasts on personal relationships as new narratives seep into their private lives. It can turn podcasts into a Pandora’s box.
Jeana Louis, a fourth-year psychology and criminology student at Florida State, brings a critical perspective to the discussion.
“People want to start a podcast to share their opinion, but they have the same opinions as the mass majority,” Louis said.
Louis suggests that the sheer volume of podcasts might contribute to less diverse opinions, limiting the diversity of voices in the podcasting landscape.
“Everyone doesn’t deserve to have a platform; sometimes I’m listening, and I feel like I’m eavesdropping, ”Jeana said.
Her words highlight the challenge of distinguishing meaningful content from the noise in an era where anyone with a microphone and internet connection can share their thoughts with the world.
It seems safe to say that the over-saturation of podcasts in 2023 has transformed the way young adults communicate and perceive the world. From the influence of podcasters to the market-driven nature of content creation, podcasts have become a powerful force in shaping the narrative of a generation.