In participatory culture, what role does the audience play?

In participatory culture, the audience plays an active role in content creation, which is reflected in the correct choice. This concept emphasizes that individuals are not just passive receivers of media but are engaged participants who contribute to the creation and sharing of content. This interaction can take many forms, such as user-generated content, collaborative projects, and community-driven initiatives.

Participatory culture fosters an environment where audiences can express their creativity, share their interpretations, and collaborate with others, blurring the lines between creators and consumers. The ability of the audience to engage in dialogue, remix existing works, and create new narratives showcases the empowerment and agency of individuals within a media landscape.

In contrast to this, other options suggest limited involvement of the audience. Being a passive consumer or viewer does not align with the characteristics of participatory culture, as it specifically revolves around active engagement and contribution. The notion that audiences can influence content without creating it falls short of recognizing the full extent of participation enabled by digital platforms and social media, which greatly encourage user-generated content and active collaboration.