Audiovisual consumption as the interplay of objects, texts and contexts

Abstract

Recently, the choices to consume audiovisual content have increased steadily. Content is now delivered through various digital channels and is played back by an abundance of devices. Moreover, the number of spatial and social contexts that afford consumption is equally increasing. The question now arises how these three diversifying components(content, device and context) interact with each other. Therefore, we subscribe to the concept of a triple articulation of media technologies that is rooted within domestication theory. It postulates that media technologies are meaningful in their physical presence (object), their capabilities to transfer meaningful messages (media text) and their contextual encapsulation (context). However, the question remains whether such a three-fold approach is manageable and relevant. In this paper, based on an empirical multi-method study, we demonstrate the practical relevance of the triple articulation concept in audiovisual media consumption within the context of convergence. Moreover, we discuss its implications and formulate recommendations concerning the adoption of this perspective in future research on audiovisual media consumption. The results show that all three articulations bear specific meanings. Moreover, abundant evidence is found for all three articulations to contribute independently to the overall meaning of audiovisual consumption. We conclude that the triple articulation concept within domestication theory has the potential to serve as a framework to study relevant factors in the formation and exercise of media habits and everyday routines.