Convergence Circle

As a society we are seeing convergence everywhere.  In both technology itself and the way that people interact with technology.  Being a student of Convergent Media, I have a grasp on how empowering it can be to consumers to participate in the media.

The first reason why convergence can be powerful for consumers is that companies are starting to listen.  By tweeting or commenting about an issue or problem with a product or service companies are now responding to the consumer.  They ask questions like: Why are you unhappy with said product/service? What can we do to make said product/service better?

Sometimes the customer service representative will even offer a coupon or they say we will take your suggestion into consideration.  This is all possible because of the convergence of technology.  Consumers can buy things online, review it on the company’s website, tweet about it, talk about it on Facebook, and then the circle returns when customer service representatives respond to the review, tweet, or Facebook post.

So the question remains, do consumers have the power to change a company’s mind? I believe the answer is yes.

The second reason is that it can bring consumers together.  People are able to communicate with each other having never met and be living on two different continents.  What usually brings them together is a piece of media like a TV show, or movie, or book. 

Together these consumers find a piece of common ground to talk about over social media or fan sites.  The great thing that comes from these conversations is creative and collaborative work.

In fact, I have a friend who was recently recognized for developing a computer game with another college student whom he met online.  They shared a love of zombies and decided they would collaboratively work to come up with their own unique game.  The game has brought success and is paying off tuition bills for both of the students. 

By having media convergence intertwined in our everyday lives it brings individuals closer and makes the world a little smaller whether it is between consumers or consumers and businesses.