Generations Online in Europe: The study of radio listening among baby boomers, generation X and generation Y in relation to their audio content consumption and social networking.

Main Objective To prove that Internet experience is relevant to the understanding of a generation. A generation is mostly defined as a group of people within the same age rank, sharing values in a specific socio-cultural context. We argue that Internet usage may also be important to characterize a generation. We expect to relate radio, audio contents and social networks, through the study of radio listening habits, expectations and platforms, relating it to the audio contents consumption and social networking.

Framework Internet access and use increase Online relevance for people and radio Radio formats (music) Online audio listening increase Different generations are online Different generations listen to radio and audio contents in digital platforms The concept of generation should be related to Internet use Radio listening is in relation to online audio contents and social networks Different generations are highly engaged through social networks Different generations want convenience in radio listening Different generations use radio to listen to music Different generations get music online

So, we should think to  Re-define the concept of radio  Define online music regarding audio content and its differences to radio  Re-define or complement in a technological approach the concept of generations, using age ranks already proposed  Define levels of Internet experience among radio listeners within generations observed  Define digital identy(ies) through radio and online audio content usage through social networks

Starting Point Are generational differences relevant in characterizing radio listening? How do generations use Internet, concerning radio, audio contents and social networks? Can we talk about IT literacy (as for access, use and gratifications) in relation to generations, concerning radio listeners and their audio content consumption through social networks?

General Objectives Develop broad understanding of social and interpersonal motives for radio and audio listening. Categorize and shape new concepts of radio and online audio content. Characterize radio listeners profile and activity in social networks Relate radio to audio content in social networks Describe radio use and consumption in different platforms. Analyze how three different generations relate to radio and audio content in social networks. Establish a relationship between the concept of generations and Internet usage.

Hypotheses Gerational use of radio and audio content in digital platforms may lead to new conceptualizations of radio and audio content. The concept of generation doesn't fully describe people's Internet use and gratifications.

Part I: Conceptual Framework 1. Society and technology: from passive users to active producers (Paula Cordeiro/ David Dias) 2. Internet and Generations 3. Internet and Media (Paula Cordeiro/Mariana Botelho) 4. From Radio to (Paula Cordeiro) 5. Online audio content (Internet based music services, music sharing websites, storage services, etc) (Paula Cordeiro/ Sofia Lameira) 6. Social media and social networks

Part II: Generations Online 1. What about generations: different trends and concepts around Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y 2. Internet usage among generations 3. Generations and technological experience (Paula Cordeiro/ David Dias) 4. Identity and Internet (Sónia Sebastião) 5. Social gathering and Internet (Paula Cordeiro)

Part III: Generations Online in Europe 1. Results 1.1 Portugal 1.2 Spain 1.3 Greece 1.4 Cyprus 1.5 Austria 1.6 Switzerland 1.7 England 2. Comparative approach