"As If" focuses on the lives of British young adults and navigates contemporary issues. While it includes diverse casts and perspectives, it generally keeps character development and personality at the forefront. The show’s structure, each episode from a different character’s viewpoint, offers genuine variety, and forced representation rarely overshadows storytelling.

The show doesn't overtly attack traditional values, but its focus is clearly on young, urban lifestyles, with little emphasis on religion or family as foundational. Some might argue it challenges conventional morality, but usually through the lens of coming-of-age struggles rather than broad cultural revision.

While the series leans towards modern, progressive themes typical of early 2000s youth dramas, it does show a mix of flawed, human characters. Traditional perspectives aren’t completely absent or mocked, though the focus remains on progressive social issues relevant to young adults.