The Convergence of Mass Media and Its Effect Towards Information Seeking Among Students

Abstract

This research is motivated by the development of mass media as a medium for journalistic products that always develops following technological advancements. Conventional media, such as newspapers, radio and television, integrate themselves with internet-based media, creating new digitally platforms based. Through media convergence, all types of mass media are becoming all in one in terms of facilities, journalistic models, including the ability of journalists and content. In addition, the newest requirement of media convergence, technology also changes people's behavior, especially students in seeking information that based on technology and non-directly physical contacted with the media mainstream. Therefore, it is interesting to explore using a qualitative descriptive approach to the aspects of convergence that occurs in the world of mass media in general, including trends in existing and aspects of student attitudes and behavior in the process of information search. The results showed that (1) media convergence is a necessity in the sophisticated technology. It is no longer a choice, but it has to maintain the existence of a media industry in a very tight competition. (2) student attitudes and behavior which is influenced by technology makes them focus more on searching content and ignoring the media names. While, the gadget in hand, students have got all the information they want very cheaply freely.