Media Convergence

"In what ways is convergence "empowering" consumers to participate in the media?"

By everything it does. 

Convergence is the very meaning of two or more things coming together to merge. 

Jenkins argues that the "circulation of media content-- across different media systems, competing media economies, and national borders-- depends heavily on consumer's active participation." 

You can see this encouragement in media participation in many different ways. 

Movies and Television shows that have social media and fan accounts and there is a constant re-iteration that consumers of that movie/tv show can connect with other fans over those sites/social media

Smart Phones with all their apps. Most apps now have something called "in-app purchases" where you can pay money through itunes to purchase upgrades, items or other apps through the current one you are using.

Social Media itself. You can connect your Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/LinkedIn/etc.. all to each other. You can embed links and modules into your own sites that connect to these accounts, therefore making an interlinking network between them all.

There is no limit to the power of connection in today's world and we are constantly exposed to it. Many aspects of our lives now depend on the connection we have through the media, many even have it as their job or career!

Without this media participation, the interactivity we would have would be lessened. 

Technology has advanced so many things in this world, it is our job now to keep it active and ever-growing so that we can compete globally but also so that we are always learning and expanding our knowledge and minds.