Comments on: Social Networks Grow Up: More Adults Connecting Online

By: CuriousJorge

CuriousJorge — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:40:00 +0000

I think what is truly happening is not that facebook or MySpace has OVERCOME the reluctance of the older demographic, but rather, the older demographic hasn’t been catered to so they are just tired of waiting and are forcing themselves to adapt to a site that doesn’t reflect the needs of mature relationships. Why is that those of us over 30 are forced to continue using a social utility aimed at making connections, and an environment meant to perpetuate those connections, when at my age what I want is just to foster the relationships I have? I think that is the ‘real’ issue. MySpace and facebook were designed by young men in college and they reflect the attitudes we all share at that age. I’m not that age anymore. We need something that isn’t designed for ‘social networking’ but rather for relationship management.

By: Matt Batt

Matt Batt — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:11:00 +0000

This is really good research, but unfortunately in this space it is likely outdated by now. I’m really surprised to see MySpace as the network most used by adults. I would imagine this is moving towards Facebook and perhaps Twitter? Nonetheless, great breakdown of this PEW Study…thanks Brian!

By: amengel

amengel — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:30:00 +0000

It’s funny, my mom (53) is adamantly against things like Facebook and Twitter and thinks that “whole social web thing” is for kids. But we got our family set up on Geni.com, which acts a heck of a lot like Facebook, and she loves it. I would say the most active people on our Geni family tree are the older demographic of the family. The younger cousins all just connect on Facebook, but my mom and her siblings post messages, photos, send birthday greetings… they’re being social without realizing it!

By: Rachel Kay

Rachel Kay — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:37:00 +0000

Great post! If you had asked me three years ago if I was on a social network I would have told you social networking is just for high school & college-age people. Now I am on more than three. It will be interesting to see the increases a year from now.

By: Mihail

Mihail — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:30:00 +0000

Interesting to see such stats. And even though are for US, I believe this is a common trend right now all over the world. In Romania for example the Big 4 are somehow Big 3: Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. For the teenagers though we have Hi5 too…from what I heard.

And now, if we look at the WHY – meaning that people have less and less time to spend outside their jobs with their friends, this is a normal consequence and the numbers will most probably grow.

By: Monica Surfaro Spigelman

Monica Surfaro Spigelman — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:13:00 +0000

When will groups like Pew start reporting beyond “Big 4″ just mentioned by Jamie, to specialized networks emerging? I hear so much about the top tier of networks and want more re: specialized categories. For example, so many cropping up in specialized industries and boomer category (and perhaps stats would change if those networks were better investigated, bringing #s of the 50 -65+ users even higher.) I find accounts like LinkedIn and Twitter opening me to individuals I didn’t know prior.

By: Betsy MacKinnon

Betsy MacKinnon — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:56:00 +0000

What is interesting the tsunami-like wave of Users (18-34) that will overtake Non-users and how this will affect socia/econ/politics. Right now Most decision makers are still in the non social media minority and as SM-savvy users grow up it will be interesting how the way we interact will change. Of course, there will be a NEW [insert radical tech breakthrough] and we’ll be right back where we started…

By: ashbrown

ashbrown — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:55:00 +0000

I really appreciate this post because I am currently stressing this phenomenon in my office. It appears that as more companies understand the importance of having online communities, we are seeing an influx of older professionals in social networks. The reality is that the majority of company heads are not “fresh out of college,” but are over 40. Thus, a new generation of online users is emerging.

By: Jamie Favreau

Jamie Favreau — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:18:00 +0000

This is true. I have multiple accounts but only really use the BIG 4 of Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, and Linked In. Facebook for the most part has been evolved into my networking site from mostly keeping in contact with my friends. I think that it is blurred but it is OK. I am just more conservative on what I put on my site. If I want a more casual atmosphere I still use MySpace.