Edutainment has consumed you!
Bold statement? Well, I guess not, and you probably did not realise it!
As a matter of fact, we now live in a hyperconnected world, where disruption and transformation are the norms. And in order to survive, we need to embrace continuous learning or some will call it, lifelong learning.
Learning for us Gen Xers may not be as easy as it was 10 to 15 years ago. (I mean when we were younger! đ) To ensure we learn well, we need something else to âmotivateâ our learning.
Simply put, learning has a new face. Enter edutainment, the hybrid of learning and entertainment. For many in Gen X, this term may sound like trendy marketing jargon. Nevertheless, itâs a concept that has infiltrated every corner of our modern life. And social media has a big role to play.
My thought is that edutainment isnât merely a fad; itâs changing how we learn, communicate, and connect.
What Is Edutainment? A Simple Definition
To explain, edutainment simply refers to content that educates while simultaneously entertaining its audience. Although it may sound new, it has been part of our learning fabric for decades. Storytelling, humor, and engaging visuals are now vital components of good learning content.
Many Gen Xers came from once-upon-a-time learning means of boring textbooks and chunky reading notes, to the modern time YouTube videos. Yet, we are seeing the learning fabric continues to evolve with the popularity of Instagram and TikTok. These platforms have transformed how we consume content, blending valuable insights with vibe music and super attractive visuals. In addition, they also come with relatable humor. Thatâs what makes learning fun now!
Consequently, learning no longer feels like a drag but instead like an enjoyable experience. And you know what, that makes it easy for us at our age!
Furthermore, with the emergence of easy-to-use creator tools and AI, Brands, creators, and educators are now deliberately designing edutainment to inform, entertain, and often persuade.
Thus, even while weâre being amused, weâre simultaneously learning â sometimes without even realizing it.
A Short History of Edutainment
While edutainment does feel like minted in the current era, its roots stretch back several decades. The term emerged during the 1970s and 1980s, primarily within broadcasting circles. Initially, it referred to programs that aimed to educate audiences while keeping them entertained. For instance, childrenâs shows integrated songs, puppetry, and humor to teach literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Remember our Sesame Street?
Over time, the concept expanded beyond our TV Box. Then, in the 1990s, CD-ROMs came and offered us a different interactive learning experience. And when the digital revolution arrived later, it truly transformed edutainment. Learning apps, gamified platforms, and eventually social media change the way knowledge is delivered.
Today, if you want to learn something new, you will opt for long-form learning on YouTube or short-form learning on TikTok. And the trend seems to point towards short-form learning. Hence, it’s hardly surprising to see YouTube offering shorts to cater to the new demand.
There are plenty of learning opportunities you can find now. Content creators are churning out bite-sized videos explaining complex topics in seconds. From Money hacks to quick history lessons. Edutainment has indeed evolved into a cultural phenomenon, one that we, Gen X, are consuming daily, often without even recognizing it!
Why Edutainment Matters â Especially for Gen X
Although I canât speak for all Gen Xers, I am pretty sure edutainment is crucial for us Gen Xers. In all honesty, I canât cope with boring learning. Is age an issue in learning? I do not know, but I can only suspect it does not help. Hence, I am all for learning fun!
Moreover, many of us are pursuing new skills for career pivots, side hustles, or personal enrichment. We need to skill stack all the time and keep abreast of the world. And with edutainment content, it will motivate us to be smarter consumers of content, but also equips us to engage meaningfully in both professional and personal spheres.
Additionally, some of us may be experienced enough to be trainers, leaders, or coaches. By understanding the importance of edutainment, we will strive to create interactive videos, animated explainers, and gamified platforms to keep our intended learners engaged.
The importance of edutainment, hence, canât be underestimated.
How Edutainment Is Strategically Used in Social Media Marketing
These days, many marketers are taught to deliver value on social media to build brand trust. They create edutainment content to deliver value to the audience that will also serve multiple marketing purposes. Firstly, it helps grab attention in crowded digital spaces. Secondly, it simplifies complex topics into digestible learning. Finally, it builds trust by offering genuine help before attempting any sales pitch.
Do you remember watching a TikTok or a YouTube video before buying?
Therefore, Gen X professionals should realize that edutainment is more than flashy content. Itâs a powerful communication tool. Whether youâre a marketer, educator, or entrepreneur, understanding how to harness edutainment can elevate your influence and engagement online.
How Gen X Can Embrace Edutainment â As Learners and Creators
We Gen Xers can easily embrace edutainment both as a learner and a creator.
For instance, as learners, we can seek out edutainment creators who align with our personal or professional interests. Areas like digital marketing, AI literacy, and health are rich with creators who deliver valuable insights with humor and creativity.
Moreover, if we want to create content, the good news is that edutainment is not demanding. The success of it hinges on clarity, personality, and authenticity. There are plenty of simple tools like Canva that make it easy to design engaging visuals, while platforms like TikTok and Instagram provide accessible ways to share insights.
To start, Gen X creators might experiment with:
- Short video tips
- Infographics summarizing key points
- Storytelling carousel sliders
Not going to lie, transitioning to a confident creator can feel daunting. But guess what? Hard things are the right thing to do, right? It can be very rewarding if we overcome the fear. And you are looking at potentially several skill stacks here.
Potential Pitfalls
Of course, everything will have a flip side. While edutainment offers numerous benefits, it does have some drawbacks. One significant risk is oversimplification. In the quest to make content engaging, some creators may strip away nuance, potentially leading to misinformation.
Additionally, the balance of entertainment and learning is an important factor. Viewers might remember the jokes but forget the actual lesson. This can be frustrating.
Furthermore, passive consumption of edutainment can create a false sense of expertise. Just because we watch a one-minute video on financial advice doesnât mean weâre ready to invest our life savings.
Therefore, itâs crucial to balance edutainment with deeper learning.
Final Thoughts: And Gen X Should Get In On It
Ultimately, edutainment is not just another internet trend. I think it represents a profound cultural shift in how people learn, connect, and share knowledge. For us Gen Xers, understanding this phenomenon is essential not only as consumers but also as professionals, parents, and lifelong learners.
We didnât grow up with edutainment in the same way todayâs digital natives did. However, we can leverage our decades of experience and insight to fully embrace it. By doing so, we can keep abreast of a changing world and also pass on our experiences and knowledge as contributors to this new learning movement.
Because learning has changed forever. And so must we.
