A survey showing social network usage in Malta is the second highest in the EU demonstrates the island is more cosmopolitan than ever, according to social media expert Alex Grech.

We feel the need to reach out beyond our shores and broadcast our lives

“We’ve essentially become a city surrounded by water, so we feel the need to reach out beyond our shores and broadcast our lives,” said Mr Grech.

“Another reason is that we’ve had broadband for years, so the digital divide has not really happened here,” added the doctoral researcher on disruptive technologies and social media strategy.

Mr Grech was responding to this month’s Eurobarometer survey, which showed 68 per cent of Maltese people use online social networks, just behind Latvia (69 per cent).

He first cited the “disproportionate” take-up of social networks in an article for The Times in December 2007, when there were some 14,000 people registered on Facebook in Malta.

Social networks must be seen as part of a larger media ecosystem that has developed over recent years and given a voice to the voiceless, he believes.

“For many years in Malta, if you wanted a voice you had to go to your MP or newspaper, even if they didn’t represent your own point of view,” he added. “Now, we can all have our say, be it through social networks or comments on timesofmalta.com.

“Of course, this may not be as liberating or democratic as it may seem, at face value.”

Academic Velislava Hillman said one positive was many young people use them to strengthen existing personal ties that originated offline.

However, on the negative side, she highlighted research by John Cacioppo that showed prolonged use increased social isolation.

With more than 10,500 Twitter followers, young event organiser and promoter Eman Pulis has the second-highest number of followers in Malta.

“I find Twitter extremely useful for connecting with people who share my interests and passions. It’s less about daily life, more about thoughts and ideas.”