Jo Twist argues that 2005 was the year of the digital citizen - when citizens shaped the news, media and the world with their digital technology. In an article for BBC online Jo cites citizen journalists sending digital photos to news media, video bloggers producing content for politicians, and community activists podcasting.
The UK has long worried about the relationship between government, media and the public. The erosion of trust and democracy is feared above all.
The question is what happens to social cohesion in this quickly evolving landscape and how can the government negotiate consumer-led media.
Some might argue that the remaining ties binding government, media and the public will be eroded further by the decentralisation of media.
Greater choice of what to watch, what news means and who produces it, as well as the shift from broadcast to on-demand media, could increase people's ability to opt out of public and democratic debates if they want to.
Alternatively, the changing nature of news offers a diversity of voices, sources, and choice to enhance democratic potentials and lets anyone join in global and local conversations.
Jo completed a PhD on virtual communities before spending several years with the BBC, and is now a Senior Research Fellow leading the Digital Society and Media team at the think tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research.
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