New technologies appeal to each generation differently, with Generation X and Y leading the way in technical literacy. As a generation Y'er myself, computers and social networking have been an integral part of my life since childhood, making it easy to understand why my generation has become so adept at understanding the influence and impact of Web 2.0 and social media channels. What's interesting is how this space is attracting members of older generations who at one time seemed to shy away from the newest technological craze. Not only are they learning how to use the tools, but Generation X'rs and Baby Boomers are working to utilize the nuances behind using online channels to connect with others. This brings me to my mother, a Baby Boomer. When it comes to new technologies, specifically the internet, it takes her a teensy bit longer to adapt. My sister and I haven't been able to convert her to Gmail or Hotmail instead of AOL, and I'm unsure if she even knows what online communities are. My mom is an incredibly smart woman, but when it comes to the internet, she uses it primarily to check her stocks, look up recipes and read articles that peak her interests. She found out about Facebook from Oprah, if that says anything...
The inspiration for this post came from a recent Ad Week article which talks about how the above-30 set is becoming more and more involved in social networking. What I'd like to know, however, is who these people are. What do they do? Are they professionals? Stay-at-home parents? The article states:
"The report, analyzing survey data gathered at the end of March and through much of April, shows 43 percent of 30-39-year-olds saying they use social-networking sites -- about twice the proportion (21 percent) who said so in a December 2007 survey. The increase has been proportionally even steeper among 40-49-year-olds (from 11 percent then to 29 percent now) and 50-64-year-olds (from 6 percent to 16 percent)." [Italics added]My first thought to why this older generation has joined the online space immediately turned to professionals trying to expand their network, but according to a 2009 Pew Research Center survey, I'd be incorrect - they're using it for more personal reasons:
"Adults say they use social networking for various reasons:
- 89% to keep up with friends;
- 57% to make plans with friends;
- 49% to make new friends."
Where do you see the future of online communication going?
