Cool or Authentic?

Decoding My Cultural Choices in Movies and Music

Illustration: Maya Latzel

We’ve all been there: scrolling through social media, seeing everyone rave about the latest movie or album, and suddenly feeling a pull to check it out. But here’s the question I always come back to—Am I really interested in this, or am I just trying to fit in with what's “cool” right now? This is a dilemma I grapple with constantly, especially as trends shift so quickly in today’s cultural landscape. One moment, everyone’s obsessed with a new artist or film, and the next, it’s onto something else. 

So, are we drawn to certain movies, shows, or albums because we genuinely like them, or is it more about the cultural validation that comes from liking something “cool”? 

The Pressure to Fit In 

I’ve always been someone who wanted to fit in. Growing up, I tried to align my tastes with what others liked because fitting in felt like the ultimate goal. But then, there was also the other side of me, the part that wanted to be “different” and stand out by rejecting anything that was popular. I used to be scared to listen to artists like Taylor Swift or Harry Styles on my spotify so they wouldn’t show up on my recently listened to.   I often found myself hating on the very things everyone else loved, not because I disliked them, but because I wanted to seem like I was above the mainstream. 

Take high school for example,it was the age of "coolness:" you needed the right clothes, the right music, the right opinions. But I wasn't just trying to be like everyone else,I wanted to seem different. If the latest chart-topping song was playing everywhere, I’d make a point of saying how overplayed it was, how basic it had become. If a movie was trending, I’d trash talk it just to show that I was above the hype. In hindsight, I realize I wasn’t actually immune to the influence of these trends—I was just trying to assert that I was somehow above them, that I had my own taste and wasn't swayed by popular opinion. 

I wasn’t alone in this—a lot of my peers had this same desire to prove they weren’t just following the crowd. It became almost a competition to be the most unique, and the most individualistic, even if that meant I was intentionally rejecting things just because they were too “mainstream.” 

Looking back, I see that I was stuck in a bit of a cultural tug-of-war. I wanted to fit in, but I also wanted to be seen as different—maybe even “cooler” in my own way. But the reality was, I was still influenced by the very same cultural forces I claimed to be rejecting. I liked the idea of being different, but sometimes that meant sacrificing my true preferences to be part of a different kind of trend. 

This conflict between fitting in and standing out is something I still think about. The truth is, we all want to feel like we belong, and part of belonging means aligning ourselves with cultural moments, even if they’re fleeting. But it’s important to recognize that this need to "be different" can also be a trap, just as much as blindly following every trend. 

The Search for Authenticity

The deeper question is: what does authenticity really mean when it comes to cultural consumption? Is authenticity about sticking to your guns, resisting trends, and enjoying things for their intrinsic value? Or is it just about being true to yourself in any given moment, even if your preferences evolve with time? 

I’ve found that the more I reflect on my own tastes, the more I realize that authenticity isn’t a fixed trait, it’s fluid. My tastes have changed over the years, often shifting from what I thought was “cool” to what I truly connect with. When I was younger, I gravitated toward music that my friends were into - I had a huge “drain gang” phase because all my friends listened to them - or movies that seemed like cultural touchstones. It was only later, as I grew more confident in my own identity, that I started exploring films and songs that resonated with me on a deeper level. I’m no longer hiding my slight theater obsession, and embracing the cringe, because in retrospect nobody really cares. I’ve become comfortable with the authentic and view what I’m listening to as a time capsule of that moment. 

But here’s the thing: even as my tastes evolved, they didn’t always fit into neat, “authentic” boxes. Sometimes, I still enjoy things because they’re part of the current cultural conversation. And that’s okay. Embracing trends doesn’t necessarily negate authenticity. There’s room for both in our cultural landscape, and I’ve learned to let go of the pressure to always be “unique” or “cool.” 

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Our Tastes 

A significant force shaping cultural choices today is of course, social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have a huge impact on what’s considered "cool" at any given moment. From viral dance challenges to meme-worthy movie moments, social media accelerates the pace of trends and can make us feel like we’re either in or out. 

I’ve often caught myself scrolling through TikTok, where a song suddenly goes viral, and thinking, "This is cool. Maybe I should listen to it." The funny thing is, even if I don’t genuinely love the song, it can be hard to shake the influence of the algorithm telling me that everyone else is enjoying it. It’s not uncommon for me to think, “I knew this before it was popular on TikTok,” and while I might feel a bit smug about being ahead of the curve, it also annoys me that the song now feels so tied to a viral trend. For example, the MAPS dance that took over TikTok really rubbed me the wrong way. It wasn’t the dance itself—it was the fact that everyone was suddenly obsessed with a song they’d never heard of before, all because it was tied to a viral moment. It makes me feel like people are only connecting to songs and artists because of TikTok and not because they actually like the music. This constant bombardment of trends can make it challenging to discern whether my attraction to a song or movie is authentic, or just the result of algorithmic manipulation.

But I’ve realized that there’s power in resisting the pull of trends. When I take the time to explore music or films without the noise of social media around me, I often discover things that resonate with me on a more personal level. Sure, I might still listen to the popular hits now and then, but I’ve come to appreciate the quieter moments when I can truly immerse myself in something that feels uniquely mine. 

Celebrating Individuality in Taste

Ultimately, what I’ve come to understand is this: There’s no single right way to enjoy culture. Whether you gravitate toward something because it’s “cool,” or because it speaks to your soul, both experiences are valid. What matters is that we embrace our preferences and allow ourselves to change over time. 

So, how do we celebrate individuality in our tastes? I think it starts with self-reflection. Ask yourself, "Why do I like what I like?" Is it because it brings you joy, or is it because it aligns with the latest trend? And if it’s a bit of both, that’s okay too. 

It’s also important to acknowledge that taste is subjective. What might seem “authentic” to one person could be seen as “outdated” or “uncool” to another. That’s the beauty of cultural diversity. What we love and why we love it tells a story about who we are and where we are in our lives. And there’s no need to apologize for it. 

A Call to Embrace Your Own Taste 

In a world where cultural choices are often influenced by the latest trends, it can be easy to lose sight of why we like the things we do. By reflecting on our tastes and exploring what truly resonates with us, we can move beyond the noise and find a sense of authenticity that is uniquely our own. Whether it’s watching the hottest movie or listening to an obscure album from the past, it’s our personal connection to the art that matters most. 

So, the next time you find yourself questioning why you’re drawn to something, ask yourself: Is it cool? Or is it authentic to who I am right now? And remember, whatever the answer is, it’s okay. The most important thing is to own your choices and embrace the beauty of your unique taste, the best way to be cool is to be authentically yourself.