Why Gen Z Doesn't Care About Music

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on the shift in how younger generations engage with entertainment, particularly video games, and contrasts it with his own experience growing up immersed in music. He shares personal anecdotes about his past with video games, his kids' gaming experiences, and how addictive modern games can be. The speaker also discusses how today's kids seem less interested in music, often preferring gaming content over music, and how they emulate gamers instead of musicians. Ultimately, he questions how the addictive nature of video games has shaped this cultural shift, particularly for Gen Z.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on their experience playing video games with their kids, highlighting how addictive modern games like Mario Kart can be.
• 😀 The speaker recalls their early experiences with video games, from playing arcade games like Galaga to spending hours on games like Gun Smoke and Home Run Derby.
• 😀 Despite growing up with music, the speaker observes that many Gen Z kids aren't as interested in it, often preferring video games over music.
• 😀 The speaker points out that Gen Z has grown up in a world dominated by the internet, Wi-Fi, and gaming, which influences their entertainment preferences.
• 😀 Video games are highly engaging for Gen Z, offering a visual and interactive experience that doesn't require the same level of attention as music does.
• 😀 The speaker compares the way previous generations discovered music (through records and shared listening experiences) to how Gen Z experiences entertainment (largely through video games).
• 😀 There's a cultural shift where kids no longer emulate musicians as the speaker's generation did, but instead want to emulate gamers or YouTubers who play games.
• 😀 The speaker notes the role of gaming in shaping social interactions, such as using platforms like Discord to talk to friends while playing, and how this experience differs from music-based socialization.
• 😀 The addictive nature of video games means kids often don't notice things like music in games, as their focus is solely on the gameplay itself.
• 😀 Despite the decline in interest in music among many kids, there are still talented young musicians today, often learning to play through online tutorials, but they lack some traditional skills like ear training and live interaction with other musicians.

Q & A

What is the speaker's reflection on playing video games with his kids?

The speaker reflects on his experience of playing Mario Kart with his kids, where he was repeatedly beaten by them. Despite having played video games in the past, he feels the games are much more addictive now and it made him realize the addictive nature of modern gaming.

How does the speaker compare his youth with the current generation's relationship with video games?

The speaker compares his youth, where he grew up listening to records and sharing musical experiences with friends, with the current generation's immersion in video games. He points out that kids today often focus on gaming rather than music, and their entertainment involves a mix of interaction and competition.

What does the speaker mean by 'old man yells at cloud'?

The phrase 'old man yells at cloud' is used humorously by the speaker to acknowledge that some people may view his concerns as outdated or out of touch with current trends, particularly with respect to kids not engaging with music the way he did.

Why does the speaker think music doesn't appeal to kids as much as it did to previous generations?

The speaker believes that the addictive nature of video games, which offer instant rewards and engagement, is a key reason why music doesn't have the same appeal to today's youth. Video games provide a visual and interactive experience that is much more stimulating compared to music.

How does the speaker describe his personal experience with video games and music?

The speaker describes himself as someone who has always enjoyed video games, from arcade games in his youth to playing Mario Kart with his kids. However, he highlights that his generation grew up with music as a significant part of life, unlike today's youth who are more focused on gaming.

What does the speaker believe is the main difference between how Gen Z interacts with music versus how previous generations did?

The speaker believes that Gen Z is not as interested in music because it doesn't provide the same level of interaction or reward as video games. Previous generations, including his own, were more engaged with music, both through active listening and performing, whereas today's youth are more drawn to gaming and online content.

How does the speaker's view on Gen Z and gaming differ from the opinions of others on his channel?

The speaker acknowledges that some people might think he's out of touch with younger generations, particularly when it comes to their interests in music. However, he emphasizes that he frequently interacts with kids and young adults, including his own children and their peers, so he has a strong understanding of their preferences.

What role do platforms like YouTube and Twitch play in the lives of young people, according to the speaker?

The speaker explains that platforms like YouTube and Twitch are central to the lives of many young people. They watch other gamers, including big YouTubers like PewDiePie and MrBeast, and engage in long gaming sessions on Twitch, often for hours at a time. These platforms have replaced traditional forms of entertainment like music.

What does the speaker think about the music in video games?

The speaker points out that many video games contain music, but when playing, kids don't seem to pay attention to it. He himself also didn't notice the music while playing Mario Kart, as his focus was entirely on the game itself, reinforcing his belief that music is less important to the current generation.

How does the speaker feel about the skill development of today's youth in playing music?

While the speaker recognizes that some young people are still learning to play instruments and developing impressive skills, he points out that much of this learning is done through online tutorials on platforms like YouTube. He notes that although many of these young players are virtuosic, they often lack the ear training and live interaction with other musicians that previous generations had.