Media Convergence and it’s effect on the consumer

Media convergence is a bigger deal than most people give it credit for,  and many people don’t even realize it’s an actual thing. The way we receive information- our iPhones, iPads, laptops, the television, newspapers- it’s all extremely groundbreaking and new to this growing world we live in. By definition, media convergence is a “phenomenon involving the interlocking of computing and information technology companies, telecommunications networks, and content providers from the publishing worlds of newspapers, magazines, music, radio, television, films, and entertainment software” (Dictionary.com). This practice of converging all of our information on to many different outlets is a direct result of demand for easier access to the news we all need. When on the go, people expect to be able to know what’s going on in the world around them by going on to their phones or iPads and selecting their favorite news source application. If sitting at home relaxing, one should be able to receive the same exact news from their newspaper or television. This is extremely benefitting not only to the consumer, but to the news outlets themselves. For example, Fox News can gain popularity through their TV broadcasts and radio programs, but now they can gain an even stronger following through their websites and applications with very little effort and money. With advertising also contributing through this phenomenon, these news outlets are able to grow their companies through the new possibilities of media convergence and thirst for information their viewers have. However, we must remember that this is exactly what these outlets are- businesses. The goal is to not only get news out, but to make money and influence viewers. When viewed from this stance, we can only wonder about the quality and accuracy of the information provided to us. Is this company only letting out what benefits them and their profit, or are they really looking out for the good of their consumers? One would hope the latter, but it may be more realistic to realize that these companies really are driven to protect their credibility and there could possibly be some information withholding. On the flip side, the benefit to consumers may be greater than the news outlets. Because of this convergence, we the people can get information faster and more efficiently than ever before. Not only that, but we can create the message ourselves, for the first time in history. Now because of the freedom of online information and news outlets, we can spread our own messages through blogs and websites and comment sections. We are all essentially amateur journalists, taking data we have gathered through personal experiences and other information sites and combining it to create our own breaking news. This can also be seen as a curse to us though, as we can be fed unfiltered opinions from others and more likely than not, inaccurate information that they received from who knows where. This phenomenon of media at the tips of our fingertips on whatever device we choose is unsettling, but positively exciting and new. What the world choses to do with this great power though? We will have to wait and see.