Brandon Roddy
Dr. Walter Iriarte
October 28, 2018
Convergence Culture and Remediation
Convergence culture and remediation is uses throughout our everyday life. Remediation is comprehended as the procedure of revival of old substance performed by new media. This implies the new correspondence media refashion the substance of the past media, along these lines remaining an relation among old and new media. According to Bolter and Grusin, Media are continually commenting on, reproducing, and replacing each other. This process is integral to media (New Media). Media constantly interacts with other media by reproducing and replacing and making other changes. New Media constantly justifies itself by remediating old media. Convergence is the stream of substance over different media stages, the collaboration between numerous media ventures, and the transient conduct of media gatherings of people who will go anyplace looking for the sort of enjoyment they need.
Henry Jenkins is an American media scholar and provost professor of communication, journalism, and cinematic arts. He works at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. Jenkins thoughts on convergence culture is that it describes a new era of transition where “new and old media collide”. Jenkins’ understanding of convergence is primarily a cultural process, where convergent cultural practices include both the consumption and creation of media. Jenkins specifically focuses on the effects of “media convergence” and the combination of various media that offer new forms of communication and understanding between different media sources. He also has a book that discusses convergence culture.
Video gaming is an excellent example of convergence culture. Video gaming incorporates old media being television with new media being the game console itself. Xbox is a popular device used to play video games that you can simply take anywhere with you and attach the cords to your television and play any game you desire. The first electronic television was invented in 1927 by Philo Taylor Farnsworth who was 21 when he created it. Although the first video game console was created in 1972 it has been recreated and improved over the years just like the television has.
Using your mobile device as a way to listen to different forms of music is another example of convergence culture. This combines an old idea of using a portable device created in 1997 who’s purpose was strictly for audio files with the new idea of having your mobile device take place of it. We use smartphones in modern society not only for communicating with others wether that be through a text or a phone call but we now use it as a main way to listen to music. In earlier years you’d have to go to the store and buy an mp3 player or a portable cd player and insert headphones to listen to the wanted audio. Mobile devices are so advanced now that you can find any song you could possibly think of across numerous search engines and musical platforms and listen to the audio no matter where you are.
A smartphone alone is an example of convergence culture due to the device replacing so many things you once had to purchase and use separately. The first camera was invented in 1816 by Nicéphore Niépce which he created himself and a piece of paper that was coated with silver chloride, which darkened when exposed to light. The first digital camera was invented in 1975 by Steven Sasson. Smartphones started to replace the old idea of a digital camera when the 2000’s started to emerge. In present times the camera on a handheld device that is used daily by people across the world has become so advanced that it is no longer required for one to go out and purchase a camera to take photos. You can do it all with the push of a button anywhere, anytime.
Another example of convergence culture that doesn’t involve a device expanding and being incorporated into something smaller such as a smart phone would include Harry Potter. Harry Potter is a series of fantasy novels written by J.K Rowling. These novels have transformed overtime from books to films, merchandise, video games, soundtrack CD’s and it has even been turned into a main attraction in the theme park Universal Orlando Studios in FL. People all over have become so interested and intrigued by these novels that it has pushed various companies to do more with them and profit off of them. As time progresses we see more come out of what was once just a series of books.
As technology continues to take over the world, communication is being hindered because of it. In the past communication was typically exercised in person. The thought of calling someone over the house phone or video chatting them across multiple softwares didn’t exist. There was no such thing as emailing someone or sending them a text to see how they were doing. Messages and letters were usually done by hand or with a type writer. Now that technology has advanced so much people don’t value a physical conversation with someone. They find it easier to video chat, email, or call someone versus taking the time to go spend time with them physically. There are many benefits that come with technological communication despite all the downfalls. It is easier to get in contact with someone who is very far away in a timely manner versus waiting for the person to receive your letter or having to take time off from work or out of your schedule to visit them. You can call them no matter where you are to get in touch with them in no time at all.
The future of communication will continue to diminish as future generations are brought up in the era of technology. There is evidence to prove this due to small children as young as 2 becoming aware with technology and how it works. Children have become adjusted to seeing someone and talking to them through a device or on a screen. As they continue to grow they will rely on technology to communicate versus realizing the importance of physical confrontation.
In conclusion there are multiple forms of media convergence besides those mentioned in this essay. Those forms of media convergence is aiding in the move towards a more digitalized world. This transition and transformation of old ideas being combined and compartmentalized into simpler devices are and will continue to affect all aspects of our lives. Media convergence is igniting a wide range of various social, economic and legal disputes due to conflicting goals of consumers and producers. As things continue to change over time people will become more dependent on media and technology as it is replacing many items that we once used separately. Sooner or later with the convergence of media and technology theoretically we wouldn’t have to leave our homes to do things such as grocery shopping, buy movies, and replace broken items, it will all be done with the push of a button. “The digital renaissance will be the best of times and the worst of times, but a new cultural order will emerge from it…” (Jenkins). Works Cited
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