The Transformation of the Global Village into a Global Convergence

A report called “Global Risks 2035” was published by the Atlantic Council in September 2016. The report predicted a chaotic and war-torn future characterized by violent extremism, the breakdown of order, and a state of perpetual war. The report identified China and Russia as new enemies of the Western world, particularly the US and its allies. Instead of focusing solely on the conflict between Israel and Hamas and Hizbollah, it is crucial to consider the bigger picture. The conflict in the Middle East is just a symptom of a more significant problem. Therefore, it is essential to deal with the real problem, which is the proxy masters, namely Iran, Russia, and China. This issue is part of the New Great Game, which began in Central Asia after the Cold War and has become a neo-Cold War. To find a solution, it is essential to get to the root of the problem.

In the current digital age, we are witnessing the rise of information warfare, where superpowers use information technology to manipulate foreign and domestic populations. This phenomenon, known as techno-authoritarianism or digital dictatorship, results from global media convergence. As the world’s only remaining superpower strives to exert its influence on others and impose American values – also known as Americanization – on the rest of the world, we should expect to see more conflicts emerging.

Global convergence represents a pivotal advancement within the media industry, offering several advantages. It provides a seamless and unified media experience for both consumers and prosumers. By eliminating the need to switch between multiple devices and platforms, convergence enables users to access a diverse range of content through a single platform (Mike Gasher et al., 2020, p. 20). This not only saves time but also improves the overall user experience.

The term “convergence” refers to combining various forms of media, such as print, broadcast, and online, into one platform (Jenkins & Mark 2006, pp. 691-98). Additionally, Mike Gasher et al. (2020) define media convergence as follows:

“The word convergence means coming together, such as two rivers converging to form one larger river. Media convergence refers to either the merging of previously distinct media technologies through digitization and computer networking or a business strategy by which the media properties of a communication conglomerate work together” (p. 154).

This essay explores the positive influence of media convergence on individuals, encompassing both consumers and prosumers. It facilitates advancing essential skills, such as astute thinking, responsible digital citizenship, and competitive professionalism. The discussion is structured around three central themes: the early recognition and support of media convergence by pioneers such as Marshall McLuhan in 1962, the transformative of traditional media into a unified platform, and the evolution of the “global village” concept into “global convergence.”

Firstly, it was Marshall McLuhan (1962), a media theorist, who famously predicted that advancements in communication technology would bring the world closer together by “shrinking space” (p. 6) — making it feel like a small village where everyone is interconnected. He referred to this concept as the “Global Village.” (p. 147). Mike Gasher et al. (2020) explain:

“McLuhan turned to an analysis of electronic society. He studied the impact of radio, television, photography, and cinema on what we think of as modern societies. McLuhan argued that electronic media created the possibility of instant communication between any two points on the globe for the first time in history: he referred to this reality as the global village.” (p.147).

McLuhan’s observations on the impact of electronic media shed light on the profound changes brought about by media convergence. He described how electronic media, such as radio and television, had the potential to create a “global village,” where communication between any two points on the globe became instant. This concept emphasizes the shrinking of space through time in the digital age (Mike Gasher et al., 2020, p. 8). His insights help us understand that media convergence has the potential to connect individuals across the world. When harnessed effectively, it can be a positive force for creating a more interconnected and informed global society where the boundaries of space and time are blurred.

Secondly, McLuhan’s prophecy has come to fruition through the emergence of media convergence. This refers to integrating traditional and digital media platforms, creating a more interconnected and seamless media landscape. The idea that communication methods can shape a society and its culture was first introduced by Canadian scholars Harold Innis and Marshal McLuhan, who emphasized the importance of the communication form over its contents (Mike Gasher et al., 2020, p. 144). Media convergence has enabled individuals from all corners of the world to interact in real time, bringing about a global community that is more closely connected than ever before.

Thirdly, McLuhan’s “Global Village” concept offers a valuable framework for comprehending the impact of media convergence on our lives. This convergence has ushered us into a global community facilitating the free exchange of information and communication. This transformative process has resulted in greater interconnectivity among individuals, enabling the unrestrained sharing and consumption of data from various sources. The consequence has been cultivating a more diverse and globally oriented perspective. Most significantly, the emergence of novel media convergence technologies has given rise to hybrid platforms, revolutionizing how we interact with our fellow humans and the wider world (Hirst M. et al., 2014, pp. 144-154).

McLuhan’s concept of the “Global Village” laid the foundation for understanding the impact of media convergence on our lives. Today, this concept has evolved into a more comprehensive “Global Convergence,” encompassing media, communication, social, economic, and cultural convergence. The advent of new media convergence has brought the world closer together, creating a more interconnected and global community. Through the idea of the “Global Village,” we can better understand how media convergence has transformed our society and brought us closer together. As part of this transformation, it is essential that we learn to coexist in the “global village” with toleration and moderation.

Featured image: Bigstock

References

Gasher, M. (2013). Media convergence in Canada. In A. McIntosh (Ed.), The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada.

Gasher, M., Skinner, D., Coulter, N., & Lorimer, R. (2020). Media & communication in Canada : networks, culture, technology, audiences (Ninth edition.). Oxford University Press.

Hirst, M., Harrison, J. (John M., & Mazepa, P. (2014). Communication and new media : from broadcast to narrowcast (Canadian edition, First Canadian edition.). Oxford University Press.

Jenkins, H., & Deuze, M. (2006). Convergence culture: where old and new media collide [Review of Convergence culture: where old and new media collide]. New Media and Society, 8 (4), 691–698.

McLuhan, Marshall, et al. The Gutenberg galaxy: The making of typographic man. University of Toronto Press, 2011.