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    While Facebook still reigns as the leading social media app, other studies back up the assertion that younger users have now moved on to services such as Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Pinterest. Anecdotal evidence suggests the younger set are moving away from Facebook as it loses its once-trendy appeal and in order to use platforms their parents and grandparents aren’t using, for reasons ranging from privacy to snobbishness (if Grandma’s on it, I’m off it!). For the first time, according to a semi-annual survey by Piper Jaffray, teens now consider Instagram (the selfie platform of choice) the most important social network on the Internet.

    Meanwhile, Boomers are using Facebook for any number of reasons, ranging from finding lost friends and relatives to staying in touch with alumni groups and their community. I think the last adoption hurdle for Boomers was a perception many originally had that Facebook was a waste of time – but found it is now so much a part of everyone’s life, that you’re missing out if you’re not on it.

    I have a friend, Mary, who recently joined Facebook as she turned 70 and was retiring. She decided she now had the time to explore what all the hubbub was about - and the source for many family goings-on that she was always the last to hear. Now, she’s truly enjoying the frequent updates and pictures from and about her family—especially grandchildren who live far away—and re-connecting with long lost cousins and childhood friends. (Although, she also has already unfriended a daughter-in-law who over shares!) We all have these stories.

    So, what are the implications for this phenomenon (besides the fact that it was really smart for Facebook to buy Instagram two years ago)? Well, I think it’s further proof that Boomers are not technology-averse, when we understand the benefits it can bring. And there are future content and design implications for social media sites and app makers  - with Boomers as a new and important market to be considered.

    Meanwhile, for those Boomers just joining up, welcome! And take a look at our eBook – “Baby Boomer’s Facebook Guide.”

     

    And here are a few privacy and security tips for any new social media user:

    • Beware of posting anything private or confidential – because it won’t be once it’s posted.
    • Know your privacy settings and adjust them to suit your needs. For example, controls vary from the “Everyone” level (anyone can see your post) to friends and family, to custom, where you can select an audience of your choice.
    • Think before you post. A spur of the moment comment will live on…and on and on.
    • Don’t share anything about friends and family (stories or photos) that they wouldn’t want to share. Better yet, ask them first. I’ve blogged about this before (see my Grandsharenting blog).
    • By the same token, don’t over share. Keep your posts brief. Long posts about the minutiae of your daily life will likely find you lonely on Facebook (Like Mary’s daughter-in-law!).

     

    It’s wonderful that Facebook is helping many Boomers expand their social horizons, from staying in touch with far-flung family to finding old friends. But we all need to remember it’s a tool to use wisely!

    A recent study by iStrategy Labs, among others, shows a seismic shift in the demographics of Facebook’s users. From January 2011 through the beginning of this year, there was a 25% drop in the number of users between the ages 13 and 17, while there was a massive 80% + uptick in users with an age of 55 and above, according to the study.