CNN usually is not a good source for learning new tech trends. But when CNN finally catches up to something, it may be an indicator that a saturation point has been reached. Take this latest Facebook story, for example: All in the Facebook family: older generations join social networks.
It states:
• Women older than 55 make up the fastest-growing age group on Facebook.• Expert says the site has hit a “tipping point,” causing older people to join.
• Some older family members use the site to get in touch with younger generations.
• One mother says Facebook has become her family’s “living room.”
If this is indeed a “tipping point,” there are some potential implications to consider:
1. Is it okay to use Facebook as a marketing channel to reach older demographics now?
2. What are the behavioral differences between different generations on the same social network?
3. Would the influx of parents and grandparents alter the user base’s attitude and etiquette?
4. Would there be a teen exodus to Twitter or back to MySpace?
I’m sure the answers will emerge soon enough. In the meantime, enjoy the paradigm shift.
Fang-Yu Lin
Comments
Connections
I read the same article and had similar thoughts about Facebook crossing the chasm into the mainstream. I believe we will see some fundamental differences between groups of users, but I am not 100% positive it will necessarily be based on generations. It will be based on how they want to use the platform. The tipping point has been hit.
Facebook’s beauty is the way it can organize content from our daily lives. It surpassed MySpace as it was based on people you “actually” (I do have some friends that i don’t actually know) knew, not people who liked the same band and were therefore considered “friends”. Facebook avoided the clutter and “BootySpace” mentality and allows users to organize their digital footprint in a much more elegant format.
We no longer have to send photos to people, we can just post them and let interested parties see them. We can see what our friends and family members are up to. It ultimately allows self expression which everyone seeks at some level. The rise of mass individualism.
I think there will be a movement to another platform for the individuals that do not want their parents to see what they are up to and who they associate with, that will always be the case. Another platform will capture that market. It won’t be Twitter, it lacks the video/photo capability that the youth demand. MySpace maybe, but they are going back to original premise based around music.
It is a fun time to watch the paradigm shift.
Lets slow down here. I think that Facebook is defiantly on the back burner right now; but not out of the picture. The name and brand are here to stay. I fully agree with Kyle, they will change their platform, the question is; when?