Social media has become a beckoning giant in the internet world. People are flocking to Facebook like ants to a picnic. Hordes of micro bloggers are hammering out 140 character posts on Twitter. Social media is revolutionizing the way we live – just as the world was glued to the radio during the Great Depression.
What continually surprises me – is the recent influx of older users experimenting with social media activity. Thousands of baby boomer aged internet users are continually “feeling the waters” of social media.
For example, in my own circle of friends & family – I’m seeing a strong interest in social media from elder individuals. Specifically Facebook. My Aunts, Uncles, and even Grandparents – are interested in setting up a Facebook account. “Hey, Christian – what’s this thing called Facebook? Can I get one? Would you be able to set it up for me?”
These are individuals who rarely use email – yet, are being seduced by the social media craze. It’s phenomenal.
Through Their Eyes
What is it about Facebook that attracts crowds of all ages?
In an effort to gain insight into its appeal towards older users, I decided to sit down with my Aunt – and discuss her interests in using Facebook. What made her want to use Facebook, over other social media choices?
She stated, for one, it’s less intrusive than MySpace. Less eye-burning ads, a simple layout, and straightforward profile management. Her desire was to connect with old friends, share a summary of her life, and become closer to her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren (the younger crowd).
Conclusion
What can we learn from her thoughts? For one - it’s important to analyze your blog’s demographics. Determine what age group is primarily using your site – and work from that information. If you happen to have a strong following of older users, incorporate design and usability features which cater to their needs.
We also see that, on a whole, the general public is seeing social media as an accepted form of communication. It’s already a strong internet force – and only becoming stronger.
I pose the question. Which social media platform has the most attraction in your opinion – when it comes to baby boomer users? And why?
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
Read more about Christian 
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice tips there. Very helpful and nice. Came to your site after you added me on BC.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
January 12, 2009 at 10:17 am
Thank you for reading, and thank you for becoming a friend on BlogCatalog!
It’s the simplicity, clear design and ability to find people by their names, not some weird web pseudonym.
Btw, I have noticed the same in my surroundings.
I like facebook too. It’s an acquired taste actually. I only got aboard when I started a blog – every little thing counts, you know.
I work for a custom home builder, Julie LaTerra Homes in Charlotte, NC and social media is vital to attract buyers of a couple of different generations. 85% of the buyers who visit our design center have been on the web prior to visiting our design center. Check out our company on face book.com and search for Julie LaTerra Homes.
Your site has won a Blog of the Day Award (BOTDA)
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Thank you,
Bill Austin
As as an “early boomer,” I have been surprised and somewhat delighted about how much I have learned to love Facebook and Twitter. Facebook has become a way to keep in nearly daily touch with far-off relatives, build audience for my blog and website, and entertain me continually. Twitter hones my writing skills–uh, important for a writer–with those terse accounts of my daily drama. Great blog, BTW!
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said less flashy ads, straight forward profile, unlike myspace. I use both, myspace for keeping up with the teens and facebook for everyone else.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
February 2, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Joyce, your thoughts are right on par with what I’ve heard from family and friends. Facebook is THE perfect way to connect with friends – past and present. Also – thank you for the comments on the blog. Glad you’re enjoying it.
redkathy – Myspace, like you say, has become thick with ads. This quickly scares away many internet users.
Interesting post. I’m one of the baby boomers who have recently become part of Facebook. I’m also a blogger, so I’m a bit more technically involved than many of my peers. Since my Facebook friends span a wide age range, from late teens on up, I would never have realized the demographic trends if you hadn’t pointed this out.
PS: I’m not on MySpace, and now that I’m aware it has flashy ads, I’m not going there!
It is amazing the growth of Facebook the last couple of years. People that are alive and not hiding behind a fake name makes it a lot more real.
My whole family is linked with facebook now. Kinda cool.
Greatings, smartboydesigns.com – da best. Keep it going!
Thank you
Dirnov
Hi, Amazing! Not clear for me, how offen you updating your smartboydesigns.com.
SonyaSunny
It's the simplicity, clear design and ability to find people by their names, not some weird web pseudonym.
Btw, I have noticed the same in my surroundings.