This site requires Javascript to be turned on. Please enable Javascript and reload the page.

Design Stories: Exploring Everyday Things

A Timeline of Music Consumption

Timeline:

1920-1941: Rise of the Teenager
1950s: The Plastic Revolution & Consumer Culture
1960s: Teenage Consumerism & the RM110's Arrival
1970s: Planned Obsolescence & Market Saturation
1980s–1990s: The Fall of Record Players
2000s–Present: The Vinyl Revival & Nostalgic Market)

Contents of this path:

The term “teenager” was first recorded in Popular Science in 1941, marking a cultural shift in how society viewed adolescence. No longer seen merely as “inexperienced adults,” teens began to be recognized as a distinct demographic—with unique behaviors, tastes, and growing economic influence—setting the stage for targeted marketing and youth-centered consumer culture in the following decades.
The annual spending power of teenagers in the U.S. reached an estimated $63 billion in 2023. This increased rise reflects the persisting influence of youth in the consumer marketplace, driven by digital culture, targeted marketing, and greater financial autonomy. Teens today not only spend on fashion and entertainment but also influence household purchases, making them one of the most valuable demographics for companies..

This page has tags:

Contents of this tag: