How does Media Convergence Affect Concepts of Literacy by: Christian B. Agtarap

As what Heraclitus said, “Change is the only constant in life.” Looking back, we can observe that our world had significantly evolved from barbaric society into a highly-industrialized civilization. One of the phenomena brought by these changes is what we call “Media Convergence.” Media convergence refers to the combination of  different media forms and technologies in which consumable information is converged into one platform. Smartphones, PCs, and the Internet are just few examples of converged media devices. Before, you need paper and typewriter to write a report, radio to listen to news, cassette to play music, and television to watch shows. But now, all of these things can be done with just a few clicks and taps using a single device. Having all these converged media technologies lets people to have the power and do more at a time. It gives us the ability to explore a wider range of platforms and reach more data akin to a superhuman. Converged media makes life more convenient however, it also made concepts of literacy more complex than ever.

Literacy is the ability to understand information which enable people  to express their thoughts and participate in society. Traditionally, Literacy embodies reading and writing proficiency. In spite of the fact that these are the main components of literacy, today our comprehension of literacy includes significantly more. Unlike before, information dissemination nowadays is not only limited to print media. Today, we consume and interpret information from various forms of media. It could be in a form of visuals found in television, movies, videos, music, blogs, various kinds of software, or websites through which content is delivered. The concept of literacy is affected by the media convergence in a way that media convergence caused a shift of concept from the “traditional” literacy to what we call now as “digital literacy.” Since there is media convergence, the medium in which information are delivered is not only getting convenient but also it is getting highly-technical and complex as well. In this case, possessing writing and readings abilities is not enough. In order for a person to access and acquire information from converged media, technical skills are required. Digital literacy covers extensive skills, like turning on and operating the device, searching for what to read, and creating content. Another effect of media convergence on literacy is that feedback and response is easier. Before media convergence, people cannot express their reactions to what they’ve read. But now, we have emails, blogs, online forums, and even social media where people can express their thoughts and exchange ideas which is also a good practice of enhancing writing skills. Also, because of media convergence, literacy does not only put importance on interpreting the media accurately but it also gives importance on critically questioning and validating its content. Since media is converged and different people can create their own content in it, risks of fake news and fraud is higher.

It is indeed true that change is constant. Just like how the concepts of literacy evolved, we also need to cope of and adjust accordingly. The fact that media is way more extensive than before, has a crucial impact on the way the world works.