i know that media convergence is taking things and making putting it together as one service. like bundling cable internet and phone. but i do not get how this has impacted our culture!
How many choices does a specific consumer have?
Comcast offers "triple play" - phone, internet, and TV for $99 per month for 12 months. They advertise, "Thousands of On Demand choices plus tons of popular channels on TV and online." So who really watches all those "tons of popular channels"?
And that's only one company.
Then there's the cell phone/landline thing going on. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/12/tech/main6476743.shtml
Keep digging and you'll find more.
Media convergence refers to the merging of previously distinct media technologies, platforms, and content into a unified system. While it may seem like a technical concept, its impact on our culture is significant. Here are some ways in which media convergence has influenced our culture:
1. Access to a wide range of content: Media convergence has allowed us to access a multitude of content across various platforms. We can now watch movies, TV shows, listen to music, read books, and access news and information from a single device. This has significantly broadened our options for entertainment and knowledge consumption.
2. Fragmentation and personalization: With media convergence, individuals can customize their content consumption experience. They can choose what to watch, listen to, or read based on their personal preferences and interests. This has led to the fragmentation of audiences, as people now have the freedom to consume niche content that resonates with them.
3. Democratization of media creation: Media convergence has empowered individuals to become creators themselves. Anyone with access to technology can now produce and share their own content through platforms like YouTube, blogs, and social media. This has challenged traditional gatekeeping mechanisms and allowed for more diverse voices and perspectives to be heard.
4. Changes in communication and social interaction: Media convergence has transformed the way we communicate and interact with others. Social media platforms and messaging apps have become central to our daily lives, enabling instant communication, sharing of content, and forming online communities. This has brought people closer together, but also raised concerns about privacy, mental health, and the spread of misinformation.
5. Shift in business models and industry dynamics: Media convergence has disrupted traditional business models and forced industries to adapt. For example, the rise of online streaming services has challenged the dominance of cable TV, leading to cord-cutting and changes in the entertainment industry. This has also impacted advertising strategies, as brands now need to consider multiple platforms and user behaviors.
To understand the impact of media convergence on culture further, you can explore case studies, scholarly articles, and research papers that analyze specific industries, media technologies, or social phenomena. This will provide you with more in-depth insights and evidence to support your understanding.