Smaller, underground events began to be eclipsed by massive, professionally produced festivals (like Tomorrowland or EDC) that prioritized spectacle, pyrotechnics, and "Instagrammable" moments over raw immersion [1, 2].
The ubiquity of high-quality cameras meant that the clandestine nature of partying was destroyed. If a party isn't on Instagram or TikTok, did it even happen?
With the advent of smartphones, anyone can document a wild night out using the exact same visual language pioneered by early internet videographers. TikTok is filled with "POV" (point-of-view) videos of music festivals, chaotic college house parties, and spring break trips. The Monetization of Nightlife Creator Culture
