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.
