Article 1 - Abstract

In a digitally converged media world, we are given the oppertunity, more and more to call the shots. We are able to make our own playlists, choose what things we record and what text messages we send. In this day and age convergence can be best described in 4 main ways:-

A convergence of services: news may be distributed both via ordinary newspapers or radio slots and streamed via the internet

A convergence of networks: e.g. telephone cables are used both for internet and telecommunication

A convergence of terminals: terminals e.g. we prefer to send mail or sms via our mobile phone rather than via our TV

A convergence of markets: e.g. the large-scale merger in 2000 between Time Warner and the internet provider AOL (America Online).

The fact is young adults no longer just view technology as passing phase but now continually participate in it i.e adding clips onto You Tube, etc. This new participation has led to new language being produced including words like wiki, weblog and podcast. This participation of young people can only be a good thing as the young are the next generation and therefore bring fresh, flowering, new ideas which keep the technological band wagon ticking. The only reason people disagree with young people having a voice is due to democracy and power in such an age.

Key words : Convergence, networks, democracy, participation