Some shows are less about the story and more about the moment. Streaming services push out shows like “Squid Game,” for example, and it wasn’t just watched—it was everywhere. There were endless conversations, social media, ads, games, art, and thousands of edits.

Its popularity turned into a wave that pulled everyone in, not because they were searching for the deeper themes, but because being a part of the trend was almost unavoidable.

People will continue to watch what is popular because it gives them something to discuss and partake in, from Halloween costumes to students playing “Red Light, Green Light.” Most aren’t sitting down to dissect social commentary; they want the thrills, plot twists, and shocking moments that keep them hooked.

Binging becomes easy when every episode ends on a cliffhanger or delivers an unexpected twist, making the next episode almost irresistible. Many young adults also watch to fit in, influenced by trending fashion, accessories, and the media. 

Because of the sensationalism that has overcome the media, it’s common for people to simply enjoy the show or movie they’re watching, rather than go into a deep dive about the themes or lessons one could learn from the story. These ideals are meant to entertain us—they thrive on the popularity and mass consumption of the general public. Even when discussing the deeper messages of things, discussions and observations gain traction through the trends that pop up.

Just being a part of the bigger conversations brings the kind of adrenaline people look for. While some do enjoy the deeper messages in these shows, the countless conversations often center around favorite characters, iconic moments, and viral trends.

Other common topics come up about whether obtaining an unfathomable amount of money is worth it if the winner is traumatized, or if fighting for life is the real reason people continue forward. “Squid Game” brought about many opinions, with viewers debating the theories about Seong Gi-hun’s final line where it leaves the audience curious what  humans are and the importance of this statement. The topic still gets ignored because there will still be those that may simply enjoy watching shows just because of the thrill and entertainment while those that think there is meaning to the quote look for the ideas that challenge humanity more than what’s being put on screen. These are assumptions left and right, but they are equally important to think about.

Social media has captured many people in the loop of curiosity. This curiosity thrives on the desire to not only to be a part of the conversation and relate to the many, but also the consistent pattern of rapid popularity, consumption, and reposts. This raises a new question: How much longer would it really take for people to realise there are meanings in these stories and a message to be heard? Or, is the adrenaline and happiness of finding an exciting plot to follow enough for people to find contentment?

When choosing a show to watch, many people’s first inclination is to watch what their friends have been recommending or because their favorite celebrity makes an appearance. However, some people decide to take a different approach altogether, and choose a show to watch based on the message. 

The meaning of a piece of media is why it was created in the first place. Most popular shows have a meaning that many miss in favor of focusing on the pop-culture buzz. A recent example of this is the cultural phenomenon, “Squid Game.” Ari Gomez (10) believes that the message of “Squid Game” was about greed.

“The competition was for a lot of money and people were risking their lives and other people’s lives for it,” Gomez said. 

The creator of “Squid Game,” Hwang Dong-hyuk, intended the show to portray several messages: class struggle, capitalism, exploitation of the poor, dehumanization, and a call to change. The whole concept of “Squid Game” is based around these issues. 

The show is set up with people who are thousands of dollars in debt being gathered to compete for around $33 million. One of the biggest scenes that shows the dehumanization of the players is the round where they have to play jump rope. When some players take too long to proceed, other players push them out of the way. 

Before the main character of “Squid Game” dies, his final words are hard-hitting: “We are not horses. We are humans.” This single phrase states that every single human is unique, rejecting the system that dehumanized the players in the show.

The “Hunger Games” movies and books, like “Squid Game,” also have a deeper meaning—that is often overlooked. The show is meant to be a warning against oppression, injustice, the dangers of unrestricted power, and the fight for freedom. In “Hunger Games,” children from each of 12 districts are forced to fight in a deadly tournament. 

The most intense scene in “Hunger Games” that shows this is the Cornucopia scene. The Cornucopia scene, like many scenes in “Squid Game” demonstrates the intense desperation the tributes, like the adults in “Squid Game,” feel to survive. The weakest tributes are unknowingly pitted against the strongest, resulting in the deaths of many. It also shows how the immense wealth of the Capitol has led to corrupt power.

Many scenes in “Squid Game” and “Hunger Games” demonstrate similar themes. Shows and movies like these, open our eyes to new and different ideas. It’s imperative to watch shows or movies for the meanings because it allows viewers to challenge their perspectives, allow for personal growth, and–most importantly–inspire change by spreading light on important problems in society motivating people to take action.