From readers to writers: How digital platforms are creating a new generation of citizen poets

On any given evening, a poem written in a small apartment in Limassol can be read moments later in Rotterdam, Dublin or Berlin. The journey from notebook to audience no longer depends on publishers, print runs or literary connections. Increasingly, it requires only the confidence to press “publish”.

That quiet shift from private writing to public sharing is becoming more visible in Cyprus’ cultural life. As Cyprus Mail recently reported in its coverage of a creative writing workshop linked to the Larnaca Biennale, interest in developing literary skills remains strong. But it also pointed to something larger than a single cultural event. Across Cyprus — and far beyond it — ordinary people are increasingly stepping forward not just as readers of poetry, but as writers. And the online transformation allows aspiring writers to share their work instantly and without traditional gatekeepers.

The shift is subtle but significant. Poetry, once largely mediated by publishers, literary journals and academic institutions, is now finding new life online. Digital platforms are enabling individuals with no formal publishing background to share their work publicly, gather feedback and become part of wider creative communities.

A tradition of personal and political expression

Cyprus has long used poetry as a vehicle for both private reflection and public commentary. From verses shaped by historical upheaval to contemporary explorations of identity and belonging, the island’s literary culture has often mirrored its social realities.

Yet for many aspiring writers, the path to publication has traditionally felt distant. Submitting to journals, navigating editorial processes or seeking literary recognition can be daunting — especially for young people or those writing outside established circles.

Digital platforms are altering that landscape.

The democratisation of poetry

Online spaces have lowered the barriers to entry. Today, anyone with an internet connection can publish a poem, share it with strangers and receive immediate responses. In doing so, they bypass traditional gatekeepers and participate directly in the cultural conversation.

This democratisation does not necessarily replace established literary institutions. Instead, it expands the ecosystem. Workshops such as the one recently organised in Larnaca offer guidance and mentorship, while digital platforms provide a space for continued experimentation and visibility.

The result is a new generation of “citizen poets” — individuals who may not identify as professional writers but who use poetry as a form of self-expression and social engagement.

Digital communities without borders

For a country like Cyprus, with a sizable diaspora and a multilingual population, digital poetry communities offer particular value. A Cypriot student studying abroad can publish a poem online and receive feedback from readers in Athens, Amsterdam or London. An expat living in Nicosia can reconnect with their mother tongue through shared verse.

Across Europe, participatory platforms are emerging that encourage this kind of cross-border exchange. One example is Dichters.nl, a Dutch-language website where users can not only read poems but also submit their own work. By allowing writers to publish directly and engage with a community of fellow contributors, such platforms illustrate how literary culture is adapting to the digital age.

They are not curated in the traditional sense of publishing houses; instead, they operate as open forums where emerging voices can experiment and evolve.

Youth voices and online expression

Younger generations, in particular, appear comfortable navigating these digital creative spaces. Raised in an environment of constant online interaction, many see publishing a poem on a website or sharing spoken word on social media as a natural extension of communication.

This shift also intersects with broader conversations about freedom of expression. Online poetry communities can function as safe spaces for exploring identity, mental health, political concerns or social change — themes that resonate strongly with Cyprus’ evolving social landscape.

At the same time, digital visibility brings its own challenges: moderation, quality control and the balance between openness and responsibility. As with any public forum, the health of the community depends on thoughtful engagement.

From audience to author

Perhaps the most profound change is psychological. When individuals move from consuming poetry to creating it, they reposition themselves within culture. They are no longer passive observers but contributors.

The creative writing workshop in Larnaca reflects this transition at a local level — offering participants tools and encouragement. Digital platforms extend that opportunity beyond physical spaces, ensuring that writing need not end when the workshop does.

In this sense, the rise of citizen poets is less about technology itself and more about access. Access to audience. Access to dialogue. Access to self-expression.

And while not every online poem will find lasting literary recognition, the act of writing — and sharing — remains powerful. In Cyprus, as across Europe, poetry is no longer confined to the printed page. It lives in classrooms, on stages and increasingly on screens, carried forward by individuals who once might only have read — and who now choose to write.