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Citizenship in the Digital Age: The Case of Denmark
Author(s) -
Jensen Jakob Linaa
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
policy and internet
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.281
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1944-2866
DOI - 10.2202/1944-2866.1106
Subject(s) - citizenship , politics , sociology , social media , digital media , online and offline , feeling , good citizenship , inclusion (mineral) , icts , active citizenship , public relations , new media , media studies , social psychology , political science , psychology , information and communications technology , gender studies , law
Abstract This article discusses citizenship in the age of new media using Denmark as a critical case study. It argues for the importance of considering cultural as well as political aspects of citizenship, and for the inclusion of emotions and belonging as well as rational political acts. There are strong relationships between the experience and practice of citizenship, and it is demonstrated that intensive media use and experience/practice of citizenship are highly interrelated: eager media users are also the most active and confident citizens. To a certain extent new media tend to reinforce existing behavior patterns and attitudes: those feeling engaged are those who use ICTs most widely, and new media provide them with yet another platform for practicing citizenship. It is also shown, however, that there is a segment of new media users who prefer online cultural and social activities to offline ones. As this segment grows, one might expect an expanded number of active citizens, mobilized by the new media themselves.