Media Convergence or Dominance: Interrogating the Nexus between Technology and Culture in Nigeria
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This study examined the complex relationship between technology and culture within the framework of media convergence. Employing the integrative literature review method, the study found that what was initially perceived as media convergence is, in reality, media dominance thereby widening the gap between developed and developing nations, such as Nigeria, in terms of information production, distribution, and consumption. This development has polarised the world into information-rich and information-poor regions, with technology-rich countries determining the volume and nature of information consumed by technology-poor countries like Nigeria. This situation raises concerns about the impact of technology on Nigeria’s culture, particularly in terms of cultural homogenisation, the erosion and replacement of indigenous culture with pop culture, and the concentration of power within major media technology corporations. The study, therefore, concludes that there is a growing erosion and commodification of culture in Nigeria, as local subtleties are frequently overshadowed by global appeal. Based on the findings, the study recommends the formulation of a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder societal framework that integrates media literacy into national education curricula, public policy, and community-based programmes. This framework should aim to equip citizens, particularly the youth, with the critical media competencies necessary to navigate the increasingly complex digital information environment. Furthermore, deliberate efforts should be made to promote local content creation and the preservation of indigenous cultural expressions through digital platforms, thereby ensuring a balanced negotiation between global media influences and Nigeria’s unique cultural identity.
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