Students reflect on how digital platforms keep karaoke alive and brings them together
Even as karaoke moves from bars and bulky machines to apps and online platforms, students say it continues to create strong bonds through shared songs, laughter and memories. Jethro Sumiran, a sophomore from the Philippines studying computer science, said best karaoke sessions are defined by shared enjoyment, not by flawless voices.
For Kate Ashley Pedroso, a senior in social work from the Philippines, karaoke is more than singing; it’s a way to connect. “What makes it special is when we sing nostalgic songs or if we can harmonize or sing tracks that reflect what we’re going through,” she said. Whether in a campus lounge, in the car or across screens on social media, students say the tradition still brings people closer, even in a digital age.
Karaoke as a form of entertainment
Karaoke is a form of interactive entertainment where individuals sing along to instrumental versions of popular songs while reading lyrics displayed on a screen, according to Smithsonian magazine. The website continues the term comes from the Japanese words kara meaning “empty” and okesutora meaning “orchestra,” translating to “empty orchestra.”
The website says this format allows people to experience music not just as listeners but as performers. Whether it’s in a lively bar, a private karaoke room,or just at home with friends, karaoke has become a global pastime, said Smithsonian magazine.
Karaoke’s roots
The roots of karaoke trace back to Japan in the late 1960s, when engineer Shigeichi Negishi invented the Sparko Box in 1967. The device allowed users to sing into a microphone while music played from a tape, but Negishi never patented the idea, the 2024 article “A Comprehensive Guide to Karaoke” on Japambience says.
In 1971, musician Daisuke Inoue introduced the Juke-8 machine, enabling bar patrons to sing along to pre-recorded backing tracks for a fee, stated Singa, a karaoke app and digital service website. By the 1980s, Japan saw the rise of soundproof private rooms—known as karaoke boxes—that soon spread across Asia and beyond.
Today, karaoke is celebrated around the world, with international competitions and millions of people singing everything from classic power ballads to trending TikTok hits, according to HowToKaraoke.
What does karaoke look like today
At BYU–Hawaii, students say karaoke has adapted to modern technology without losing its social roots. “Karaoke culture is a lot more social but also digital,” said Sumiran. He noted how karaoke features are now embedded into apps, video games and social media platforms, creating virtual spaces where people can sing and connect even from afar.
Pedroso stated karaoke’s casual nature has made it even more embedded in daily life. “It’s something people enjoy doing no matter the occasion,” she said. “Even in events you wouldn’t expect, like funeral services, karaoke somehow finds its way in.”
Technology has played a major role in transforming the experience, Pedroso continued. She said today’s digital platforms offer clearer instrumentals and tools like autotune, often powered by artificial intelligence. These features make karaoke more accessible and fun, even for those sharing performances on social media. Sumiran echoed this, saying platforms like YouTube and TikTok have made karaoke “more widespread and popular.”
A karaoke lover’s perspective
Despite the tech upgrades, karaoke lovers said the best moments come down to people, emotion and shared memories. Sumiran said the energy of a karaoke session is shaped by who you’re with. “Everyone could lack amazing vocal ability, but as long as everyone is having fun, a karaoke session is good,” he said. He often sings with close friends, whose chemistry and shared sense of humor make the nights memorable.
Sumiran described a recent night where the group ended up singing and dancing until their voices gave out. “We had all gotten up out of our chairs and were laughing and dancing together despite our tired and raspy voices,” he said.
Pedroso shared a more sentimental side of karaoke. “Growing up, I bonded with my mom over karaoke nights at home, often livestreaming our performances on Facebook.” Since moving abroad, she now shares karaoke sessions with friends whether at the campus hub, in the car or in their hale lounge.
For her, song choice isn’t about skill; it’s about emotion. “Heartbreak songs are especially popular among our group,” she shared.
One unforgettable moment came when Pedroso’s best friend started crying during a breakup ballad, knowing it reflected Pedroso’s current situation with her ex—someone Pedroso had just gotten back together with. Pedroso said she couldn’t help but laugh when she asked her friend why she was crying and heard the emotional explanation. The moment became even more ironic when Pedroso realized it would be the last time she and that ex reconciled. “We broke up for real after that,” she said.•