Results of the survey on social media

Use of social media in EDIC’s activities When did you start using a social media in relation to activities of your EDIC? Main findings Very recent trend in the EDIC’s Network: 70% of the respondents started using the social media as from 2009. Only 12% have an experience longer than 3 years.

Typology of media used by EDICs

Most frequently used social media Which one of the social media is the most regularly used by your EDIC? Main findings Facebook: by far the most frequently used tool by EDICs (54%). Youtube (13%), blogs (8%) and RSS technology and web feeds (7%) are the alternative tools used by EDICs.

Frequency of use of the social media

Main reasons for the use of social media Which are the main reasons that your EDIC uses social media? Main findings 86% : raising awareness / promoting the EDIC’s activities 65% : disseminating information on EU activities 43% : reaching additional/wider groups 18% : proactive communication with its target groups 11% : using social media in cooperation with other EDICs

Typology of information disseminated

Interactive features including cooperation Interactivity of the EDIC’s websites Interactive features of EDIC’s websites Online forms to enable citizens to submit information requests (the most frequently reported feature) Possibilities to register for events Possibilities to order information material online Consultations on topics of interest for citizens Feedback form on EDIC’s events/services  Possibilities to post comments on articles/blogs

Interactive features including cooperation Cooperation with other EDICs Cooperation activities information on activities/events of EDICs located in the same country including adding EDICs as friends collective Facebook pages co-management of blogs assistance to other members of the national network common creation of content for different tools cooperation with other EU Networks at local level

Promotion of social media tools Main findings 49% directly from their EDIC website 45% through information on printed materials of the EDIC 44% during events organized by the EDIC but also 42% through the use of local/regional written media.

Level of knowledge Facebook - the only tool which EDICs have an average or good knowledge: 37% report a good level of knowledge, 28% an average level, 21% a weak level 14% do not know how to use Facebook. Other tools - poor level of knowledge for the majority of the EDICs

Learning experience Main findings Self-learning process for the majority of the users (86%) and/or through exchanges with other users (40%). Complementary impact of trainings provided by the Host Structure, DG COMM and the EC Representation at a smaller extent.

Main opportunities in the use of social media Direct contacts and interactions with target groups Possibilities to reach wider audiences Possibilities to connect and communicate with youth Saving time Saving money Better promotion of events (with lower costs) leading to more participants to EDIC’s events Cooperation/connections with other members of the Network Possibilities to reach remote parts of the country Quicker dissemination of information No intermediaries (as it happens with traditional media)

Main constraints in the use of social media Lack of time Lack of knowledge Policy of Host Structures to restrict/ban the use of social media (Facebook) during working hours Time constraints to ensure a regular/professional moderation Constraints of the technical equipment/infrastructure Lack of coordination between EDIC’s members Absence of control on the comments of the users.