By Joseph Frank Gorzka III, University of Virginia

Then-futuristic books and films have featured tools like FaceTime, credit cards, 3D printers and more before they became part of everyday society.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

On her second solo album, the Paramore frontwoman switches genres as she paints a picture of a love lost and a hopeful look to the future.

By Karen Lu, Yale University

Known for his deep voice and witty gaming commentary, the faceless content creator has seen a recent growth in his views from his Among Us livestreams.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

With his third studio album, the former One Direction member sets out to express his innermost thoughts through soft R&B melodies and melancholic lyrics.

By Mai Khou Vang, Michigan State University

From Latin pop to house to rock ballads, the singer and her first full-length album refuse to be put in a box.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

In her re-recordings of several songs from earlier in her career, Taylor Swift reclaims her songs while professing her admiration for her fans.

By Joseph Frank Gorzka III, University of Virginia

The genre has met resounding success outside of Asia, and translated texts continue to become increasingly popular and accessible.

By Isabelle Juan, Truman State University

The Australian singer-songwriter’s debut movie left many with a sour taste in their mouths due to the inhumane treatment of its neuroatypical main character.

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

From battling toxic masculinity to teaching about the power of Pinterest, Lisa Kay Adams strives to critique gender norms and the limits of the romance genre.

By Karen Lu, Yale University

While hip-hop and rap have become a phenomenon in China, these artists have abandoned both the genre’s Black roots and its emphasis on authenticity.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The New York Times documentary boldly exposes the dark underbelly of Hollywood stardom, showing how tabloid culture exploited, harassed and vilified a young popstar — and how the people around her failed to protect her.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

In the final installment of the romantic-comedy movie series, Lara Jean Covey’s optimistic spirit is refreshing for those who are unlucky in love.

By Isabelle Juan, Truman State University

George Saunders’ book provides a guiding framework to aspiring writers by giving new life to classic Russian tales.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Check out these novels before their film versions hit the theaters and streaming services.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

Nina Karnikowski’s upcoming book offers advice on how to explore the world in a more sustainable way.

By Kiera Baity, Kennesaw State University

Take a glimpse at the accomplishments of this talented young woman who overcame a speech disorder and went on to shape the future for creative writers.

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

What can Netflix’s one season runway competition, led by Alexa Chung and Tan France, teach us about imperfection, artisanship and representation?

By Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

Jolin Tsai’s hit 2018 song and music video explore her personal struggles as an artist by diving into a study of one’s identity.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

By Joseph Frank Gorzka III, University of Virginia

The art of constructing a language adds an extra dimension to world-building and allows deeper immersion into books, films and games.

By Isabelle Juan, Truman State University

In the multifaceted artist’s new song, ‘Don’t Judge Me,’ she transforms her knowledge of oppression into something truly restorative for all audiences.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

The latest trend within Instagram’s literary community has only increased in popularity, but it may risk alienating readers through its promotion of consumerism.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

GOT7’s Mark Tuan and Sanjoy team up for the song ‘One In a Million,’ a smooth R&B love song perfect for Valentine’s Day weekend.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

More than two months after being snubbed by the Grammys, the Canadian recording artist gave a high-energy halftime performance of his massive collection of hits.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The electro-pop trailblazer, who died at the age of 34 on Jan. 30, redefined her industry by challenging traditional concepts of gender, identity and sound.

By Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

By Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

It’s on social media and in fan fiction: Many fans of the boy band like to speculate that Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles are in a secret romantic relationship. Is it just fun, or is it fetishization?

By Katherine Bry, Washington University

Curating music allows people to preserve moments in time, capture specific moods and pass experiences onto other listeners through songs.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

The photographer, writer and online boutique owner defies conventions while prioritizing her business.

By Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

In the streaming era, vinyl still offers something unique for the music listening experience. But they require good care and upkeep.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

With plenty of highly anticipated releases and online concerts slated for this year, here are the female artists to keep an ear out for.

By Alex Luna, University of California, Berkeley

Getting into a new superhero may seem daunting, but these Spider-Man, Superman, Batman and crossover series can help you do just that.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The romance genre has mostly been composed of female writers who cater to women. But today I’m here to recommend a novel by a male writer that is catered to … well, everyone.

By Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

They aren’t only for those who have lived their whole lives. Start yours now.

By Anna Wurm, Texas A&M University

The hit Netflix series evokes contemporary gender inequality by looking at the dramatic day-to-day existence in 1813 high-society London.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

Overlooked and neglected by their record label, the seven members of the K-pop boy group are now striking out on their own — as a team.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

Keep an eye out for these six releases that feature bisexual and lesbian representation.

By Aimi Wen, Duke University

Netflix’s new hit series features a complex main character with awe-inspiring intellect, as well as a fast-paced plot.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

The Hawaiian influencer released her new cookbook, which promotes eating more fruits and vegetables to alleviate what ails you.

By Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

The renowned success of the track provides another example of the public’s obsession with the real-life romantic drama behind many popular songs.

By Alex Luna, University of California, Berkeley

Don’t look for the usual cliches here. This series is about humans fighting gods in a one-on-one tournament, and the fate of humanity is at stake.

By Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

They are usually the punchline of Hogwarts, but here’s why they are actually amazing.

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Make the best of your time in isolation by learning a new language.

By Haven Worley, University of Rochester

Inspired by Ross Gay’s book of essays, I reflect on the beauty and uncertainty of the future.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

The podcast is a must-listen that will leave you educated, empowered and connected to those around you.

By Katherine Bry, Washington University

The Netflix special takes a look at the emotions behind the singer’s Sweetener world tour.

By Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

The pop singer has a past full of rushed and rocky relationships. Is her new one moving too fast, or is happiness more important?

By Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

The classical literature aesthetic is far too Eurocentric and lacks diversity. So how can we change that?

By Laura Song, Biola University

These four artists have left their mark on the music industry, and will live on in the hearts of fans even after they’re long gone.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

The premise of Lucy Foley’s latest thriller novel is pretty similar to Agatha Christie’s most famous mystery book.

By Summer Brotman, University of California, Los Angeles

As you look for safe ways to spend time with your household or pod, this set of books may be just what you are looking for.

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Even without frightening visuals, this horror podcast immerses you into an unforgettable story.

By Katherine Bry, Washington University

By Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

As readers await the release of ‘A Court of Silver Flames,’ it’s a good time to revisit the series’  unbelievably intricate worldbuilding, strong women and realistic character development.

By Callie Rosenzweig, University of Chicago

Multitracks are a great way to keep your musical spirits up during the pandemic. Here’s a basic guide to creating one.

By Katherine Bry, Washington University

As 2021 gets started, it is important to take a moment to reflect on some of last year’s biggest cultural moments.

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Listening to gentle tunes during quarantine may provide consolation to those in need of comfort. Here are some artists to get you started.

By Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

If we want the genre to continue to make an impact and have a stable future, we cannot depend on music that is made to go viral on the video-sharing app.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

The poet’s most recent collection shows how she breaches the norms of traditional poetry. She truly is a poet for the modern age.

By Alice Murphy, University of Maryland, College Park

In Patrick Radden Keefe’s book, a reporter dives deep into the murky depths of the history of Northern Ireland’s 30-year conflict.

By Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Wall Street Journal writer Joseph Epstein’s recent opinion piece was incredibly flawed and misogynistic.

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

In recent years, the platform has seemingly chosen to reward books with a lot of hype instead of judging solely by quality.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

By Haven Worley, University of Rochester

The effects of COVID-19 can be heard in the somber themes of Taylor Swift’s newest album.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The annual challenge allows users to set reading goals for themselves. However, does it pressure us, or actually motivate us to read?

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Although many of them are overused in present-day media, fiction can still be original and teach powerful lessons.

By Katherine Bry, Washington University

To expand your horizons, try thinking of an area of the world you haven’t explored and dive into its sounds.

By Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

In their latest release, Spillage Village uses religious motifs to address racism, police brutality, the pandemic and other prominent issues from 2020.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

By Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

This relatable podcast is the perfect listen for young adults searching for a bit of peer guidance and support.

By Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

Laying rumors of retirement to rest, the artist has conjured up an album filled with diverse musical styles and songs of heartbreak.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

Beyond just using the format to have their books read aloud, some writers are starting to use the medium to narrate their work in new, innovative ways.

By Alice Murphy, University of Maryland, College Park

The whole world has been forced to slow down and become isolated, which is why many people have turned to poetic literature to cope.

By Haven Worley, University of Rochester

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

Wearing silver pants and a long elfish beard in ‘Holiday,’ the singer gives Christmas a futuristic take. What does it mean to see him in hip-hop as he redefines musical and cultural boundaries?

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

This revolutionary graphic memoir explores the author’s cathartic journey to identifying as nonbinary and asexual.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The release of the 2021 Grammy Awards nominees sparked an outcry of fans and artists demanding transparency and equality from the selection committee.

By Summer Brotman, University of California, Los Angeles

The K-pop boy band illustrates life in the time of COVID-19 with their newest track.

By Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

The two artists break free from the prison of their exes in the campy, rock ‘n’ roll themed music video.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The novel fills our early 2000s musical hole while also showing a scary portrait of the times.

By Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

Instapoets like Rupi Kaur have amassed millions of followers who adore their work, but is any of it actually good?

By Summer Brotman, University of California, Los Angeles

Unlike the previous 2001 anime adaptation, the more recent series maintains the spirit seen in the original Japanese comic.

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

What makes this Korean pop supergroup such a success? It may be the multi-generational cast of experienced singers.

By Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Known for his funny YouTube videos and being one half of comedy music duo Tiny Meat Gang, the entertainer is stepping out with some more serious music.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The poet and photographer has grown since the publication of her last book.

By Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

While this common trope in media may be idealistic, it causes problems by creating unrealistic models of men.

By Laura Song, Biola University

These musicians sound a little different from their K-pop counterparts, but the music is just as good.

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Based on League of Legends characters, this collection of (computerized) singers has become a worldwide sensation.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

These works confront America’s deeply racist history and present, and at the same time, explore healing, accompanied by bursts of joy, light and love.

By Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

Except for Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas,’ most contemporary Christmas songs aren’t very well known. Here are some excellent candidates for a new ‘Christmas classics’ list.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

More than 40 years after the song’s release, it has climbed up the top 100 once again. The reason? A heartwarming TikTok.

By Annika Salmi, Yale University

The virtual band, known for its collaborations with artists across musical genres, has released a new album that perfectly captures the band’s sound and sums up 2020.

By Emily Davies, Solent University

This show interviews prominent environmentalists about the importance of balancing anger about the state of the planet with hope for the future.

By Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

The movie, based on the book of the same name, falls short of the unsettling themes its predecessor succeeds at. Its failure results in a film that doesn’t know what it is.

By Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

While some critics have dismissed the artist’s latest album, a look at the lyrics paints a portrait of a singer who has found some measure of peace after a period of chaos.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

The singer’s cover of Blondie’s hit song has the public wondering where she has been hiding her edge all her life. She’s always been a rockstar though, as seen by her deep history with the genre.

By Nnekakwo Adibe, Lesley University

Some want us to separate the art from the artist, but that doesn’t remove the sexism, misogyny, toxicity and depraved messages about love, sex, drugs and women present in his work.

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

One half of the brother-sister duo AKMU, the musician is spreading a message of positivity with her debut single.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

Take a book, leave a book. These book exchanges allow for both self-enlightenment and an interconnected community, all while showing that following your passions can lead to real change.