Professor Henry Jenkins describes 'convergence culture' as "technological, industrial,
cultural, and social changes in the ways media circulates
within our culture". In other words, it describes the way we receive and share information. Today media circulates in a very different way then it did 50 years ago. This has created significant changes in our culture. Jenkins discusses how these changes have effected the way we receive information and also the type of interaction we have with the information that is out there. He talks about the formation of "Pop Culture" and how it has become so important to people. Jenkins also discusses how 'convergence culture' effects politics and political activism. Convergence culture has both pros and cons. The author mentions that it could lead to better informed voters and politicians. Social Media has already played a huge part in social activism. It also makes politicians and representatives more accessible to the people. Dan Schiller, who also writes about the phenomena that is 'Convergence Culture'. Schiller's theory focuses on information being the driving point in this shift into convergence culture. He uses historical and economic changes to reveal the changes in trends over time. Jenkins' considers himself apart of this convergence culture, and talks about his personal experience with.
Creative engagement has become a very fun part of media that allows consumers to participate in the things that they enjoy. Radio stations have always used this type of approach by allowing listeners to call in and request music or give their opinions on the topic of discussion. Television has recently begun to use this to engage their audience. Shows like, "Survivor", "American Idol", and "X Factor" allow viewers to text and vote for their favorite contestants. Even more recently, shows that have gained a significant fan base have begun to add in live discussions after the show has aired that involve a lot of creative engagement. For example, every Sunday after "The Walking Dead" airs, a show called "Dead Live" starts and they allow viewers to tweet their comments or questions about the episode. They also have a trivia portion that allows viewers to text their answers and shows the count live on TV. I think this type of interaction allow the fanbase to advertise itself. It influences people to be bigger fans of the programs.