Karaoke as a Social Phenomenon

                                                                                                       By Brad Bell

          Karaoke is a form of entertainment that may be enjoyed by many people.   It may be enjoyable to sing certain songs in front of an audience.  Although it may be clear about the definition of karaoke, there may be different views about the importance and benefits of karaoke.   In this article, I will argue that karaoke is more than simply a form of entertainment.   It has social significance.

 Social Approval and Validation

         It may be customary for the audience to applaud all karaoke performances regardless of how well they are done.   Moreover, there also may be cheering, praise, and positive comments about the karaoke performance.   These positive audience responses could result in the karaoke singers feeling appreciated, respected, and accepted by others.    Because karaoke singing may involve self-expression, the positive audience responses could result in greater self-acceptance.   The karaoke singer may feel that he or she has a personality that others find acceptable.

 Collaboration and Cooperation

        Although many karaoke performances may involve just one person singing, there could be duets or a group singing a song.   Karaoke singing may increase the perceived importance or value of collaboration.   This might increase cooperative behaviors.   An increase in cooperation could benefit organizations and society.   

Conversation and Friendship

        Karaoke is a form of entertainment that can be done in groups.    As a result, it is a type of entertainment that may help to develop new friendships by facilitating conversations.   Starting conversations can be awkward, even for people with good social skills.   Karaoke events in a group may make it easier to start conversations.   For example, people in a group can talk about what songs they are going to sing or what are the best songs to sing.   This may lead to other interesting conversations about music or other topics.    Moreover, comments about a karaoke performance could lead to significant conversations.

Learning How to Sing Better by Observing Another Person Sing

        In a group of karaoke singers, it is possible that there may be a few persons who can sing well.  Thus, it is possible that a person could learn how to sing better by observing another person sing karaoke.  Observational learning may be one way to learn how to sing karaoke well.  Learning to sing better may be one of the important reasons for singing.