<p>I don’t think “bland teenagers” (or bland people, for that matter) is a modern phenomenon. People have always gravitated towards what is comfortable, safe, and familiar, ever since the first cro-magnon man realized that if he was in his familiar home territory, his chances of being eaten by sabre-toothed tigers were much lower. Back in the 50s, a teenager who listened to Elvis might have been considered a bland conformist.</p>
<p>Additionally, dismissing all current music, TV, and celebrities as vapid is a very rash, sweeping generalization. Plenty of modern media is intelligent and unique. So are plenty of modern teens.</p>