Tone sample paragraph 1

In the contemporary epoch, one cannot eschew the ubiquitous influence of popular culture, an intricate tapestry woven with myriad threads drawn from the collective consciousness of society. This intricate tapestry manifests itself through an amalgamation of art, music, fashion, and media, ostensibly serving as the zeitgeist of our era. The voracious consumption of mass-produced entertainment has precipitated a homogenized cultural landscape, wherein trends burgeon and wane with alarming celerity. The discerning observer may posit that the populace's proclivity for facile gratification, epitomized by the ceaseless pursuit of ephemeral fads, undermines the potential for substantive intellectual discourse. Thus, as denizens of this cultural milieu, we find ourselves ensconced in a perpetual flux of zeitgeist, oscillating between the ephemeral allure of popular trends and the enduring quest for cultural profundity. 

While there may be more than one correct answer for this paragraph, the author is clearly trying to show off his or her intellectual prowess.  The highly sophisticated language and esoteric vocabulary give this paragraph a very pedantic tone.  You could also say this author is using a formal tone.