Web series are one of the prominent features that sit big within our entertainment landscape, largely digital. Video streaming is extremely popular, with creative content available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+. Web series are now far ahead of regular television in terms of structuring the roots of our cultures and personal experiences gained from them.
Rise of Web Series
What the era of streaming services therefore did was change the very foundation of how we looked at content hitherto. Web series are nowhere close to the classic pattern of airing traditional television series that are constantly time-bound and defined in format. Entire seasons stream within a single day, allowing the viewer more engagement with stories, characters, and themes than ever before. This, in turn, has evolved the way storylines and series can develop character depth, leaving audiences involved with it.
Effect on Social Norms and Values
Web series play a special role in putting up a mirror to society as well as creating perceptions. These relate to race, gender, and politics, whereby shows like “Orange Is the New Black” and “The Crown” raise debates by involving different views from the audience. In so doing, the web series incorporates wider perspectives of the underprivileged in society. For instance, “Sex Education” talks about issues related to sexual health and make-up with a refreshing openness to assist discussions of several issues that many no longer view as taboo.
Moreover, web series more often than not serve to reflect contemporary issues with their anxieties and aspirations for modern society. For series such as “Black Mirror,” their view of technology is dystopian in terms of dealing with the behaviors that are said to be caused by technologies, which call people to mind questions related to the advantages of technology—such reflections being able to pervade public opinion in a way that it may just cause societal changes, a pointer to the all-powerful role that series on the web play in the mold of the cultural narrative.
How that impacts personal identity and behaviour
The close-to-life nature of web series also impacts personal identity and behaviour. It is generally the characters in web series that some of the viewers assume role models or cautionary examples, therefore setting all sorts of standards and guiding their behaviours. Just think of such shows as “Friends” and “The Office” through popular culture, where they have introduced to the audience some iconic characters whose behaviours and attitudes they could resonate with. The audience can easily borrow mannerisms, quotes, or even fashion ideas from their favourite characters, hence depicting a subtle effect on personal identity.
Second, web series might also affect our perceptions of different lifestyles and cultural practices. Portraying numerous and diverse characters and locations helps to expand our worldview towards others and foster empathy. “Master of None” touches upon race and cultural assimilation through its main character’s storyline and gives insight into problems experienced by most immigrants. Such kinds of exposure might change prejudices and introduce a more inclusive attitude.
Creating Communities and Fandoms
Web series also have a lot to do with making communities and fandoms. Viewers meet many fellow viewers on online platforms, such as Reddit, Twitter, or fan forums, in the same place to express their interest in a particular show. These communities are used to create forums for discussions, fan theories, and spirals of creative expression in the form of fan fiction or fan art. Consumption of web series is a communal activity because fans interpret it en masse and celebrate the characters and storylines they love.
For instance, a cult following of “Stranger Things” has resulted in fan conventions expedient merchandise and online togetherness. This feeling of belonging and shared experience can be very powerful, providing fans with an identity and connection that extends beyond the screen.
Challenges/Criticism
This is how the new age of web series is hurting conventional TV and the livelihood of thousands associated with the industry. Added to this, the notion of binge-watching web series is creating an unhealthy process of addictive user consumption and fostering a sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, the mental health of viewers can be disrupted by screen time because of an increase in web series time that may immediately affect general health.
Conclusion
Web series have become a growing strong voice in shaping our screen culture, about the societally normalised, personified identity, and communal building. They come up with different tales and immersively tell them, reflecting and challenging the perception of the world. As we further go deep into the world of digital media, we must remember the positive effects and possible pitfalls of web series in such a way that we plan the medium thoughtfully and balance it.
