This paper proposes a new way of classifying publics in terms of their adoption and use of
digitalised communication technologies. A CATI (computer aided telephone interview)
survey of 1,014 citizens revealed that people in Siena, Italy, show different patterns and
gaps in adopting new media and technologies as well as in using them in their civic
participation and engagement. Based on the survey results, four types of publics are
suggested (inactive, analogical, hybrid, and digital publics) and a demographic profile of …

This paper proposes a new way of classifying publics in terms of their adoption and use of
digitalised communication technologies. A CATI (computer aided telephone interview)
survey of 1,014 citizens revealed that people in Siena, Italy, show different patterns and
gaps in adopting new media and technologies as well as in using them in their civic
participation and engagement. Based on the survey results, four types of publics are
suggested (inactive, analogical, hybrid, and digital publics) and a demographic profile of …