Second screen and information: history, definition and clues for the future

Abstract

Framed by the expansion of a mobility centred technological market, Second Screen applications have become increasingly relevant in recent years. This popularity and the adjoined increase in investment by major TV operators have promoted a broad range of services. A preliminary analysis of the current offering suggests that entertainment and e-commerce products are the most common type of Second Screen apps available. The research question of this paper is thus ‘where will these developments take us?’. We will map out the historical background of Second Screen apps, propose a tentative definition and theoretical model for its functioning, and indicate possible convergence points with the journalistic production – an intersection point yet to be explored and with potential for appropriation.