Questions for “Introduction: ‘Worship at the Altar of Convergence’” to the book Convergence Culture by Henry Jenkins

1.      Why does convergence happen in the communication and media fields? What are the two conditions that lead to convergence?

Convergence happens when both old and new forms of media are forced to coexist gradually leading to the replacement of the old forms of media. The two conditions that lead to convergence are when new forms of media allow the same content to be delivered through multiple channels, and when it becomes more viable for industries to adopt these new forms of media and deliver their message through multiple channels.

2.      What are the three different kinds of digital convergence discussed in the article?

The flow of content across multiple media platforms, the cooperation between multiple media industries, and the migratory behavior of media audiences who will go almost anywhere in search of the kinds of entertainment experiences they want.

3.      What cultural and social impacts does digital convergence have in addition to technological changes?

Digital convergence has opened the door for anyone who wants to share information through multiple platforms to do so where that power used to only be in the hands of a powerful few.

4.      Do the new media displace old media in the history of media development? Why or why not?

New media doesn’t displace old media, old media is just forced to adapt to being delivered through new channels.

5.      The convergence happens from both the top-down corporate level and bottom-up grassroots level. How do both levels change the traditional concept of media consumption?

Both channels change the traditional concept of media consumption by creating an interaction between the consumer and the disseminator of information.

6.      What does digital convergence in media indicate for communication and journalism professionals in the future?

For journalism professionals it is making it more and more important to stand out. In a world where anyone with a computer can put information out there for the masses journalists must make themselves stand out by being more credible, professional, and interesting than the competition. For other communication professionals it is making it easier to get the information to the public without having to go through the gatekeepers of traditional media.