Why Poetry Was Left Behind in Modern Media
In an age dominated by flashy visuals, snappy headlines, and viral videos, it’s easy to overlook the subtle beauty of poetry. Once a cornerstone of literature and cultural expression, poetry has seemingly taken a backseat in modern media. This shift hasn’t happened overnight; rather, it’s the culmination of various factors that have reshaped the landscape of communication and entertainment. Here I will explore why modern media has, to a large extent, abandoned poetry.
One of the primary reasons for the decline of poetry in modern media is the rapid pace of information consumption. In today’s world, people are inundated with content from all directions, bombarded by news updates, social media posts, and advertisements. In such a fast-paced environment, where attention spans are dwindling, poetry often struggles to compete. Unlike a catchy headline or a viral meme, poetry demands time, attention, and contemplation. Its nuanced language and layers of meaning require readers to slow down and engage deeply—a luxury many feel they can’t afford in a world that values speed and efficiency above all else.
Furthermore, modern media platforms are heavily visual-centric. From Instagram and TikTok to YouTube and Netflix, the emphasis is on images and videos rather than text. This visual dominance caters to the human brain’s preference for processing information through sight, leaving less room for the auditory and imaginative engagement that poetry thrives on. While a captivating image or an entertaining video can capture attention instantly, poetry relies on the power of words alone—a medium that, in today’s media landscape, struggles to compete.
The commercialization of media has played a significant role in sidelining poetry. In an industry driven by profit, media outlets prioritize content that attracts the largest audience and generates the most revenue. This often means catering to mainstream tastes and focusing on easily consumable content that yields high engagement. Unfortunately, poetry, with its niche appeal and often esoteric themes, doesn’t fit neatly into this model. Consequently, media platforms allocate fewer resources to promoting poetry, relegating it to the sidelines in favor of more commercially viable content.
Another factor contributing to the decline of poetry in modern media is the changing educational landscape. With an increasing emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects and standardized testing, arts and humanities, including literature and poetry, are frequently sidelined in school curricula. As a result, many people grow up with limited exposure to poetry and little appreciation for its beauty and significance. This lack of education perpetuates the notion that poetry is outdated or irrelevant in today’s world, further marginalizing it in modern media.
However, despite these challenges, it’s crucial to recognize that poetry hasn’t disappeared entirely from modern media. While it may not be as prominent as it once was, poetry persists in various forms and platforms. Online literary journals, poetry slams, and spoken word performances have emerged as vibrant spaces for poets to share their work and connect with audiences. Social media platforms, too, have become avenues for poets to reach a wider audience, albeit in bite-sized formats like micro-poetry and Instagram captions.
We know why poetry is important. The decline of poetry in modern media is a complex phenomenon driven by multiple factors, including the fast-paced nature of information consumption, the visual dominance of media platforms, commercial pressures, and educational priorities. However, while poetry may have lost some of its prominence in mainstream media, it continues to thrive in alternative spaces and platforms. Ultimately, the fate of poetry in modern media rests not on its inherent value, but on our willingness as a society to prioritize and celebrate it.
Author: A.W.
