However, the primary function of art has always been twofold: to challenge and to comfort. For some reason, we’ve decided that only the "challenge" part has merit. When we strip away the guilt, we see popular media for what it really is: a shared language. Whether it’s a viral TikTok trend or a blockbuster movie, these pieces of content create a "watercooler" effect that binds us together in a fragmented world. The Cognitive Break: Why "Mindless" Media is Mindful
Consider these "low-brow" yet wildly successful properties: