Convergence culture is the flow of information from cross platforms and mediums that help initiate discussion on popular culture, entertainment, etc. Convergence culture is where people come together to discuss topics of interest in virtual communities, share ideas and have debates on things they like about certain topics on shows, movies, comics, games, etc. This form of discussion allows people to express themselves amongst people that share similar interests as they do, even if they live half way around the world. Jenkins believes that convergence culture is a positive form of expressionism that allows people to dig deeper into pop culture and keeps people interested in media programs as well as certain advertisements.
Creative engagement is the ability of users to create content, to participate in open discussion without centralized control over the discourse. This is a key component to convergence culture because unlike most of society governed by rules and stipulations, it's unregulated, uncensored, which inspires people to communicate to others, and those others to listen to what they're communicating. It's the part of society that doesn't label us for expressing who we are, or critique us for being different. That notion is the heart of creative engagement.
You did a great job of explaining convergence. It is the participation among individuals and a form of discussion. Creative engagement goes hand in hand with convergence. I like that this engagement gives users an outlet to be creative and express who they are.
ReplyDeleteNice summary of the convergence culture. It helps bring people together by making their opinions and discussions more easily accessible and searchable, both for other users and the companies that strive to impress them.
ReplyDeleteI think you do a great job explaining convergence culture. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I am a addicted to convergence culture concerning The Bachelor. It's a sad, embarrassing addiction I have, but the way I get attached to The Bachelor or other celebrities has been taken a little too far. I'm sad to admit that I follow people from all over the world who post Instagram posts and Snapchats and pretend that I know their lives and that I am their friends. I can't blame convergence culture because I've taken it upon myself to become addicted to knowing what they are doing and living vicariously through them. (In case you can't tell, this is a little exaggerated, however I do really need to get out more) Great post, Cooper!
ReplyDelete