Blog Assignment 6

1) What is the author's understanding of convergence culture?

Henry Jenkins refers to convergence culture as one “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.” In this sense, traditional media platforms such as radio, television, newspapers, and other platforms merge into one another through the advanced technology of the twenty-first century. Sources of information are no longer related to distinct outlets but rather, where you happened to come across them. Corporations no longer dominate the chain of information flow as technology has provided mediums that place grassroots organizations on par with corporations in regard to volume of production and circulation. No longer is one party dictating to another but rather, a two-way street has been opened in which dialogue now occurs and creates all new dimensions to media production and consumption.

2) What is creative engagement?

Creative engagement is the not just the use of creativity by an individual but with the intent to creatively engage with their community, whether it be local or global. In a time of such immense change, creativity is one of the most valuable assets humans possess. New modes of thinking, new modes of doing, and new structures of relationships force individuals of the twenty-first century to constantly push the envelope and above all, avoid stagnation. Progress and change are fueled by the creative potential of humanity and the technological tools at our fingertips are not meant just to be absorbed but to be utilized to an extent each individual is uniquely capable of. With technology and the age of the Internet, creativity doesn’t just happen in somebody’s basement or garage out of the world’s view but rather is increasingly visible to the world, as feedback is instantaneous and progress more possible than ever. The key is creating in an interconnected world and never allowing the comment “This is enough” to stick.

3) How are the participators engaging?

Participators are engaging in the world of convergence by restructuring the power dynamics of information exchange. Companies can no longer hide behind legal proceedings and back door dealings, as the world now has eyes in all places. The interconnected world is completely dependent on a participatory culture. The Internet is an infrastructure that must be continually perpetuated, added to, edited, and propagated by the users of the world. Whether it be someone’s novel, their work in Photoshop, their blog on their opinions, viral sharing, video creation, and the list goes on, the key is engagement. No longer is passive absorbency of the world around us acceptable but rather, we must actively engage in contributing to progress and the well-being of humanity as a whole, rather than the traditional fractionalization of society. The Internet has created a global community in which anyone can contribute as long as they are willing to participate.