When the new technologies of communication were introduced, such as the Internet and mobile phones, they were mainly implemented as additives in the work environment.

However, shortly afterwards they have spread into our private and social lives as well. The changes were on such a large and extensive scale that they eventually revolutionised our culture of communication. The rapid spread of digital technologies and their importance in our daily lives prove the existence of a "digital culture", which can be especially characterised by its possibility to enable participation. In the time of Web 2.0 the boundaries between producer and consumer vanish increasingly. Today’s users do not consume the information on the internet passively; they can react, create and share content and data on social media. Their engagement is spontaneous, quick and effective and it also addresses events which are often neglected by the mainstream media.

Boundaries between consumers and producers of content are blurred

Within Europe, the Balkan states are catching up in terms of distribution of digital technologies. In comparison to the very low level of access to internet during the last decade, its usage has increased tremendously. Today, around half of the population of Serbia and Romania use the internet; front runners in the Balkan region, with almost 65 percent of the population, are Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia. Although these numbers still lie behind the 84 percent of users in Germany, the Web has become an indispensable part of daily life among the young, urban and well-educated citizens in South East Europe. Their possibilities to access the internet are comparable to those in Germany. Though, the urban lifestyle within the Balkan states differs extremely from the rural areas and the lower-income classes of the population.

Mobile phones play a crucial role for the communication in South East Europe. Particularly a growing number of young people voluntarily abstain from using landline telephones. The cell phones represent an important alternative, especially in some Balkan areas without a well-developed landline connection. As in other parts of Europe there are more mobile phone contracts than residents. Moreover, a modern smartphone with various multimedia functions is an integral part of the young people's lifestyle.

More in the report.