A new report by Pew Research Center reports that social media involvement among those 65 and older doubled in the span of 13 months—from 13 percent in April 2009 to 26 percent in 2010. Usage among those 18 to 29 grew in that time grew as well, but marginally so, from 76 percent to 86 percent. An article at Pew Internet says older adults are easing off their dependency on email-based communication, and beginning to embrace other services. Watch out, young people!
“Young adults continue to be the heaviest users of social media, but their growth pales in comparison with recent gains made by older users,” explains Mary Madden, Senior Research Specialist and author of the report. “Email is still the primary way that older users maintain contact with friends, families and colleagues, but many older users now rely on social network platforms to help manage their daily communications.”
It was only a matter of time!
Granted, the social media platforms mentioned in the survey are Myspace, Facebook, and LinkedIn, so there’s no need to get too worried about your grandmother stealing your mayorships on Foursquare.
