Television and Participation

"Interaction" and "television" are two words you would definitely not use in the same sentence today. Maybe not even in the next 3 years, but it is coming...eventually. In an online world where you can put your comments to almost anything, it seems odd that something as social as the television has not yet embraced this concept.

When Tweens are able to comment on their friends' Facebook pictures, give feedback to a YouTube video or express their thoughts and views on news articles, television, in comparison, seems like just another antiquated medium for media. The need for participation and association in today's youths is very high in all aspects of media. They want to be heard, they want to be seen, they want to be involved.

The television industry will eventually have to adopt some form of interactivity with their programs if they want to stay relevant in today's social media environment. A possible solution might be to expand the capabilities of the current television digital boxes which includes a way to interact with other viewers who are using the same service. A social portal for television in fact. With a wireless keyboard peripheral, viewers can submit comments after each show and see other people's thoughts and views instantly. There could be forums dedicated to each show where fans can interact. When shows are running, there could be a section on the bottom of the screen that shows viewers' comments about what is being played on the screen.

THIS would be active participation for television. And I believe that this evolution in Television 2.0 will happen.....eventually.