"Convergence refers to a process, but not an endpoint." (Jenkins, 2004) Shows that, convergence will never come to an endpoint, just like how the information flows. It's a never ending process. People will not stop seeking for more, to demand for better services/ products. "Some fear that media is out of control; others that it is too controlled." (Jenkins, 2004) I partially would have to agree with this statement. It's true that media is sometimes out of control, because too much people from all around the world demand for different types of information, and it could get too hectic. Besides, I also believe that the media that runs around today are mostly controlled by the audience. We know what we want, therefore we request for those that we need.
It's fascinating to see the change over the years of the device we are holding in our hands today. We should also be thankful for the technology for improving and to help invent such amazing devices for us to be using today. It's great that we're all making full use of the all the latest technology gadgets. However, do we realize that it's taking control over our lives? It's crazy how we multitask every single day of our lives, without realizing it. Just like what Jenkins had mentioned in his text, a teenager today could be doing his/her homework while having multiple windows on, on their computers. They could be listening to music, watching videos online, social networking, play multi-player games and etc.
I myself own a smartphone, a Blackberry. To be honest, I'm not a person who full utilizes my phone. Although I know that having a smartphone it could help me perform several tasks at once, but I am not a tech-savvy type of person. But I do however use my phone a lot. I have my Facebook, Twitter, Weather channel, Whatsapp all on my home page. So in short, I do multitask all the time, and I come to realized that, I won't begin or conclude my day without checking my social feeds. Am I addicted to social network? I think it's more of having new information coming to me, and to notice how great is the information flow is. Without it, it just wouldn't feel right. "No one knows everything, everyone knows something, all knowledge resides in humanity." (Jenkins, 2004)
Hey Nat this is a great post! I liked hearing your thoughts. I have only recently joined the cult that is in owning a smartphone - and it is pretty overwhelming the amount of convergent technology available in my hot little hands!
ReplyDeleteI am actually trying to control it by taking it on one at a time. I don't want to overwhelm myself (and my phone) by playing with everything at once. So each week, I look into a new app or function of the phone. I dunno if that is weird lol but it is something I tend to do. However, things such as checking my facebook, email are natural instinct for me - you are right - it is about having new information come to me. I'm always just that little bit excited when I see I have a new email!
I liked the quote about how some think that media is out of control and others think media is too controlled - I think with that - it is important to remember that, at the moment at least - media is still controlled by humans - we make the media. So far, I think we are doing ok - I think multitasking is a great thing!
I agree that we should all be thankful that the technology in the contemporary world is improving so rapidly. There are so many different things on the market these days that people would have not even imagined years ago. You mentioned that these technologies are "taking control over our lives". I must disagree with you here as I do not think it is taking over control, we are just utilizing the technology in many aspects of our life. I use my smartphone to do many things including messaging, making calls, online shopping, social networking, travel details, the news and many more. I also multi task alot, I often have numerous tabs open on my browser when I am using my laptop. This does not mean the technology is taking over control. I still control what i research, what I watch, what I listen to and whom I call. I am just simply able to do these things at the same time.
ReplyDeleteTechnology advances, no one disputes this. The recent lecture on the internet of things showed we have a very long time ahead of us before we hit any type of brick wall in terms of ideas for what the end point could be but the pessimist in me can’t help but think that there has to be a point in which everything is connected to everything else, and that by a simple command from one point to another the entire network responds – I think at this point convergence would cease to develop.
ReplyDeleteIf no new technological advances occur (talking major stuff, like internet and mobile phone level advances) then I would say we might hit the end point for how interconnected things could be in 20 years. After that there will be adoption of the internet in other countries which will impact convergence slightly but the greatest changes will have occurred.
However in saying that I think there will be more advances in the years to come – there is just too much stuff at the moment getting researched in terms of computing power and communication technologies which prevents me from saying it’ll conclude any time soon.
I know what you mean i have a smart phone too and i feel bad and sorry for it... it has all these amazing functions and features so much potential that i just dont access... :\
ReplyDeleteOwen, i think it is risky to state the technology is Advancing and improving ... i feel there is no real evidence to support this claim. technology is changing, merging but that doesnt necessarily mean its evolving