This project examines how new social media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter change the conditions for participation and influence in public sphere, and analyses the consequences for citizenship and democracy.
Modern technologies enable new social practices by reducing transaction costs related to production and publication of information, and by making new
tools for coordination available.
The project focuses on the interaction between technological possibilities and the social practices that are formed through the use of technology. Our assumption is that this interaction creates new possibilities for individuals and groups, but at the same time established institutions will try to adapt to the new digital environment with the aim of strengthening their influence and position.
The project will analyse how institutional and non institutional actors use social media strategically. An evaluation of the combined effect of these efforts on how public sphere and democratic institutions and processes function will also be undertaken.
