Convergence

“Network convergence is the efficient coexistence of telephone, video and data communication within a single network. The use of multiple communication modes on a single network offers convenience and flexibility that are not possible with separate infrastructure. Network convergence is also called media convergence.”

Media convergence is good in the sense that it allows for creative industries to circulate content and advertisements. Such as the convergence of traditional and digital sources powers our newspapers to produce much more efficient and up-to-date information. It can reach a much larger audience due to its available access worldwide.

One issue though, is knowing whether or not the information is valid or true. After all, sources may not be required or honest, stripping the original author or their credit. And as you may know, just about anyone believes what they see on the internet to be true, which causes a lot of false information. Outdated content and improper sourcing isn’t fair to the original publisher and the readers.

There is also the saying, “social media is killing press” which is true in a lot of ways. Who wants to go out of their way to receive a paper and physically turn the pages? Most people, and many would argue that its no longer 1955. This takes away jobs and can cause a series of other issues. Why would broadcasting and press want to pay employees when they can slash their numbers in half an make more money? There is also the imposing risk of broadcasting and press companies to be bought out.

Overall, media convergence has its many pros and cons. I do enjoy it, but don’t at the same time. Whether it is beneficial or not will all be seen in the near future. It may help us, it may destroy us.

Quote Source: http://searchconvergedinfrastructure.techtarget.com/definition/network-convergence