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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Genres of communication in activist eParticipation

subject

description

In this paper, we examine the genres of communication in an activist case in a Norwegian municipality. As genres evolve over time, and the emergence of new genre properties is a sign of a mature technology, we compare the genres used in traditional paper-based media with the genres used in social media, to examine the maturity of social media as a medium for activist eParticipation. We also discuss the usage patterns of traditional vs. social media, and their relation to the public sphere. Our findings indicate that so far, the genres used for activism in social media are very similar to their offline counterparts, with some new genres and genre characteristics emerging. Social media is moving towards maturity, but still has a way to go.