Genre refers to the categories used to classify different types of media based on their characteristics and conventions. There are typically rigid genres that stick closely to audience expectations, like horror and comedy, and more flexible genres that push boundaries, like romantic comedies. Genres help audiences understand what to expect from a media work and producers know how to craft their media to meet or challenge those expectations. Dystopian genres specifically depict bleak, frightening futures and are often used to make commentary on current social issues.