Sunday, January 30, 2011

Social Network Space...Belgium


Overview
  • Capital: Brussels, also capital of EU (European Union)
  • Population: 10.4 million
  • Ethnic groups: 58% Fleming, 31% Walloon, and 11% mixed/other
  • Language: 60% Dutch and 40% French, and some German
  • Became an independent state from the Netherlands in 1830
  • Is a modern, technologically advanced European state, and member of NATO & EU
Economy and Communication

  • GDP/capita $37,900
  • Internet Users: 8.1 million
  • Cellular Lines: 12.4 million
  • Broadcast Media: 90% of households connected to cable

Belgium is a democratic western European country with a GDP/capita of $37000. Hence, it was not surprising to find a very high internet, mobile device, and social network media usage.

During my research, I found out that most Belgians use email and IM as their primary sources for communicating with their friends and colleagues and social media is used to make informal connections with peers.


All generations, young and old, have knowledge of cell phone, iphone, blackberry, and Netbook to access social media network while on the move. Internet access via mobile devices increased social media usage.


Another reason Belgium has high social media usage is because, access is provided in all their three official languages (Dutch, French, and German). Facebook and twitter are usually accessed in English.


Social networking in Belgium is used for socializing, business endeavors, and government conversations. The government uses social network media as a platform for communications. The government’s main focus is to increase transparency for its population and create conversation about political issues.


Most popular Social Network sites in Belgium are:

  • Manoeuvre
  • Zattevrienden
  • Asfaltkonijn
  • Blogtendances


I was not surprised about the social network usage statistics in Belgium. It appears that social media is used to enhance personal and public life.





No comments:

Post a Comment