Cultural and Media Convergence - A reflection on digital collisions

"Welcome to convergence culture, where old and new media collide, where grassroots and corporate media intersect, where the power of the media producer and the power of the media consumer interact in unpredictable ways." - Henry Jenkins.

We can not get a phone that's just... a phone

In one of his best-selling books, Media Convergence, Jenkins has pointed out the two powerful forces that drive convergence including the development of platforms and franchises. The rise of multi-platforms, surprisingly, comes from the merging of technology devices. Due to that process, we now deal with the escalation of functions on a singular appliance. We have our smartphones that can call, text, take photos, produce music, edit videos, read books, check the news, meet new people, and many more. All in one at our fingertip. And to us, this process of platform convergence means two things.

The first implication is that we get the best of both worlds. People get to live in both their physical world and the virtual world. A person might not look fancy or pretty in real life but on Instagram, filters, and adjustments can make a real difference.

According to Jenkins, media convergence is the process by which new technologies and digital media platforms are changing the way that we consume, create, and share content. Jenkins argues that media convergence is characterized by the following key elements:

1. New technologies and digital platforms: In his book Convergence Culture, Jenkins discusses how new technologies, such as the internet and mobile devices, have allowed for the integration of different forms of media and the creation of new forms of content, such as the "mash-up" and the "remix." He also talks about the role of digital platforms, like social media and user-generated content sites, in enabling greater access to media and increased opportunities for participation by individuals and communities. An example of this would be the way that streaming services like Netflix have changed the way we consume and experience television shows and movies. Netflix allows users to access a vast library of content and watch it on-demand, on various devices like smart tv, phones, tablets, computers, and game consoles. Additionally, they have also created their own original content.
   

2. Blurring of traditional distinctions: Jenkins writes about how the rise of digital media has led to the blurring of traditional distinctions between different forms of media, such as print, broadcast, and film, and between different types of content, such as news, entertainment, and advertising. He also discusses how this is leading to new forms of storytelling and the emergence of transmedia narratives that span multiple platforms and formats. News organizations are using social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to distribute news and engage with their audiences. Traditional news organizations are now using social media to share news updates and breaking news, as well as to engage with their audiences and build community.
   

3. Democratization of media production and distribution: Jenkins highlights how the rise of digital media has led to greater participation by individuals and communities in the creation and distribution of media content. He discusses the emergence of user-generated content, citizen journalism, and other forms of participatory culture that allow for a greater diversity of voices and perspectives in the media landscape. An example of this would be the rise of user-generated content on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, where individuals are able to create and share their own videos, music, and other forms of content with a global audience. This has led to the rise of "influencers" and "creators" who have been able to build large followings and monetize their content.
   

4. Increased flow of media content across boundaries: Jenkins talks about how the rise of digital media has led to greater access to media from around the world and how this has led to a more globalized media landscape. He also discusses how digital media is helping to break down barriers of language and culture, making it possible for people to connect and communicate across borders. The way global reach of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, allows users to connect with people and share content with audiences around the world. It enables users to access to a wide range of information and perspectives, regardless of their physical location.
   

5. Shift in power from traditional gatekeepers: Jenkins writes about how the rise of digital media has led to a shift in the balance of power from traditional media gatekeepers, such as networks, publishers, and Hollywood studios, to individuals and communities. He discusses how digital media and new technologies are giving individuals greater control over the media they consume, create, and share, and how this is challenging the dominance of traditional media institutions. the way that crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have empowered independent artists, filmmakers, and game developers to raise funds for their projects and bypass traditional gatekeepers in the entertainment industry. This has led to a more diverse range of voices and perspectives in the media landscape, and also a new way for creators to fund their projects.

In summary, Jenkins concept of Media convergence refers to the process where different forms of media and communication technologies merge, resulting in the blurring of distinctions and democratization of media production and distribution, leading to a more globalized media landscape and shift of power to individuals and communities.