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Reflective Blog Post: Reflection of blog post 1

Media convergence has become a defining feature of our daily lives, transforming how we consume and interact with content. In my original blog post, I explored this phenomenon, focusing on the role of smartphones and platforms like TikTok. However, after analyzing three different readings, my understanding of the subject has deepened, and I recognize areas where my original post could have been expanded.

Web readings from unit 6 discuss the transformative power of technology, tracing the evolution from the printing press to the Internet. Initially, I merely emphasized the positive aspects of media convergence in my original blog post, overlooking potential negative impacts. These readings inspired me to consider both sides of the coin. Media convergence is not just a tool for entertainment and connection but also a force that can influence social norms and even decrease our ability to think critically with easily accessible information all over the place. It's not just about new development but more importantly about how this tool redefines our relationship with information and each other. This broader historical pattern of technological transformation has opened my eyes to the multifaceted nature of media convergence.

The readings in unit 8, specifically “Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship” by Danah Boyd and Nicole Ellison (Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, pp. 210–230), focused on social network sites (SNSs) and their role in articulating social connections (page 222). This perspective led me to think more deeply about how media convergence impacts not just content consumption but also social interaction and community building. I gained a deeper insight into media convergence, becoming more confident that apps like TikTok are not just entertainment platforms but also spaces for social connection and identity expression. This understanding adds a new layer to my original post, emphasizing the human connections fostered by media convergence.

From the readings in unit 7, including “The Church of Google” in The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to our Brains by Nicholas Carr (pp. 302–353), I gleaned insights into the broader societal and industrial implications of media convergence. It mentions how Google's business model relies on the convergence of various online activities to increase ad revenue and information collection (page 321). I reflected more deeply on how media convergence affects not just daily life but also economics and industry. I now understand that media convergence is not just about personal convenience and entertainment but also how companies like Google can strategically use convergence to expand their reach and profits (page 321). This perspective could have been integrated into the blog post to provide a more complete understanding of how media convergence affects daily use.

The reading of these three units has expanded my understanding of media convergence, adding depth and complexity to my original post. I now appreciate the multiple aspects of media convergence, recognizing its historical context, multiple redefinitions, and social impacts. These readings have enriched my perspective, allowing me to see media convergence as a complex phenomenon that shapes not only our personal lives but also our society and economy. By reflecting on these insights, I have moved beyond a surface-level exploration to a more comprehensive understanding of how media convergence shapes our world.

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Blog Post 5: Intersecting Media Use with Canadian-ness and National Belonging

In analyzing my media consumption over a week, I've noticed some intriguing ways that it interacts with my sense of Canadianness or national belonging. The following are some observations that highlight this relationship:

As a media consumer located in Canada, who studies and lives here, I find myself naturally drawn to Canadian content. Whether it's YouTube videos from Canadian creators, news stories from CBC, or advertisements for local Canadian brands, I feel a connection to these pieces, these contents are closely related to me. Engaging with Canadian media indeed helps reinforce a sense of community and belonging to the country.

While engaging with traditional media such as Canadian television channels or reading Canadian newspapers, I'm often exposed to content that is reflective of Canadian culture, values, and political views. It helps me better understand the country as a foreigner and quickly integrate into Canadian society.

Advertisements and influencers within my media feeds often promote Canadian products, local businesses, and cultural events. While some of these ads may lead me down paths of impulse spending, they also serve as reminders of the importance of supporting the Canadian economy and local communities. Even something as simple as seeing a promotion for a local bank's GIC rate from Youtube ads can inspire action that aligns with national interests.

In conclusion, my media consumption is more than just a pursuit of entertainment or information, it is an ongoing interaction with the nation I am currently in. The platforms and content I engage with play an essential role in shaping my understanding of what it means to be connected with the national community.

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Blog Post 4: Traditional Media vs. New Media

As a media consumer, experienced both traditional media and new media, I would say there is a great difference between each other. Reflecting on my week-long tracking of media use, I can categorize these differences into several key areas:

1. Convenience and Accessibility:

Traditional Media: My interaction with newspapers, TV, or radio requires a fixed time and place. If I want to read a piece of specific news, I need to spend a lot of time finding it by reading every line and paper of the news I have to obtain the information. And if I want to listen to the radio outside the house, it is impossible to realize, not only the radio is too big to carry but also the most important factor is that it requires electricity from the wall!

New Media: I can access the content anywhere, anytime from the platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and WeChat, just with a smartphone! Whether it's a video, news, or a game, it's available at my convenience.

2. Content Variety and Personalization:

Traditional Media: News from newspapers is fixed and generated by the specific news writer. The amount of news in a newspaper is limited and only for a specific date range. It is generalized to appeal to a broad audience and I have limited control over what I'm exposed to.

New Media: Algorithms tailor content to my interests and behavior, as seen in my TikTok feed. I can also see various content I am interested in just by simply searching the topic in the App. This personalization provides a better and more engaging experience.

3. Influence of Commercial Interests:

Traditional Media: Advertising is often separate from content, like commercial breaks on TV. There is no continuity between each other and usually, when I finish the TV show, I just close the TV or change the channel to another one. The advertising time on TV is usually so boring for me to watch, and I am a passive audience all the time.

New Media: The integration of advertising is more seamless. Influencers on TikTok directly promote products within content, subtly influencing my purchasing decisions. The time I am enjoying content, I am also influenced by the ads. But I just don't have any impatience like watching a TV ad.

In conclusion, my week-long media tracking gives me a brighter idea of the difference between traditional media and new media. This tracking gives me a lot of time to reflect on the subtle changes. Traditional media offers a more structured and passive experience, while new media provides flexibility, interactivity, and personalization.

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Blog Post 3: My Role as a Media Audience Member

After a week-long tracking of my media use, I've discovered some insights into my role as a media audience member. It is pretty diversified.

1. A Passive Consumer: In some instances, I find myself purely a passive consumer. I watch videos on YouTube or scroll through TikTok, simply absorbing content that's to my preferences by algorithms. I often experience pop-up ads that expose me to new ideas and promotions like the Scotia Bank's GIC rate.

2. An Active Participant: My role also extends to being an active participant. On TikTok, I share videos with friends and engage in discussions about our interests. I'm not just watching; I'm interacting, sharing, and shaping the content. This active engagement turns media consumption into a social experience.

3. A Potential Customer: My interaction with media also places me in the role of a potential customer. Influencers on TikTok endorse products that I may find myself considering for purchase. Although sometimes leads to impulsive buying decisions, this role connects me directly with brands and products.

4. A Critical Thinker: Sometimes, I find myself playing the role of a critical thinker. When I encounter various advertisements and promotions, I must evaluate the validity and usefulness of the information presented.

In conclusion, my tracking has shown that being a media audience member is not just a viewer or a consumer. I am also a participant, a customer, a thinker, and a community member. It is really diversified in lots of dimensions. In a world where media convergence is pervasive, understanding our roles as audience members is essential. It helps us navigate the complex interplay between media and commercial interests.

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Blog Post 2: Commercial Interests Deeply Influenced My Media Use

Analyzing my media use over a week, I realize that commercial interests, particularly advertising are deeply affecting my media consumption in subtle and unexpected ways.

While watching videos on YouTube, I am regularly interrupted by pop-up ads and have to skip them manually. However, some of the ads are indeed useful for me to know what's going on promotion right now, for example, I get to know the rate of GIC of Scotia Bank is 5.2%, and I finally ended up saving money there. And I think it is a great deal for me! It could only be happened because of the regularly popped-up ads, it somehow makes my life better and easier to know the newest news and promotion without going out anywhere. Similarly, when scrolling through TikTok, live stream sales and advertisements from popular creators continually appear. This constant bombardment is an annoyance for me but I know it's a calculated strategy to capture my attention for the ownership of the media to cash out real money since I will have more chance to shop and make a deal.

By checking the track of my media use, I find out that I spent a greater portion of my media time on Tiktok. And I think I am influenced by the TikTok content creators whom I admire. When they endorse a product, I've caught myself thinking: "Maybe I'll use this in the future." This led me to check out these products, reflecting the power of influencer marketing from the media. Also, many of the products advertised to me are low in price, making them seemingly harmless to purchase. However, once I received them, I often find them less useful than anticipated, leading to a sense of wasted money. This accumulation of minor spending has indeed turned into a significant financial drain in a subtle way. However, I've often thought I could resist the urge to buy these products. However, the big volume of similar advertising and endorsements from various creators has worn down my resistance. I'd find myself hesitating and eventually giving in – "breaking the wallet," so to speak. This laughable yet serious consequence of advertising illustrates its persuasive power in my daily use.

In conclusion, this week-long analysis has provided me valuable insights into my behavior and made me more aware of how advertising tactics influence my decisions. It's prompted me to reflect on the real value of the products I'm considering and to be more mindful of my spending habits.

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Blog Post 1: How Media Convergence Impacts My Daily Media Use

After tracking my media use for one week, I've come to realize that the convergence of various media forms is pervasive in my daily life, and it's fundamentally transforming how I consume and interact with content.

My smartphone, once merely a tool for communication, has evolved into a multi-functional device. I can enjoy movies on YouTube, play engaging games, watch TikTok videos, and stay informed about the latest news, all on this single platform. The convergence has not only diversified my media content but also redefined the role of a "phone" in my life.

Upon analyzing my media usage over a week, it became clear that the phone is central to my media consumption. Whether I'm looking to pass the time or engage with diverse content, my phone is often the go-to choice.

TikTok is a prime example of this convergence. It's more than a platform for watching videos; it's a communal hub where my friends and I share, discuss, and connect over content. It's become a social experience, turning me from a passive viewer into an active participant in shared cultural moments. TikTok is rapidly becoming one of my most-used social media apps, second only to WeChat.

In conclusion, my week-long observation underscores the transformative power of media convergence, emphasizing its pivotal role in my daily life. It shapes how we communicate, entertain, and engage with the world around us.