Social Networking Sites Popular Across All Ages

View from Staten Island Ferry on nice summer day

The rapid pace of technological change can be mind-boggling at times. Millions in the Baby Boomer and older generations may have experienced transistor radios and bulky black-and-white televisions in their younger days, and smartphones and tablets today. The common perception is that social networking and texting are the preferred method of communication of today's younger generations, and for the most part, that is correct. What is fascinating, particularly as it relates to social networking, is that it has made major inroads into the older populations as well.

According to a report from the Pew Research Center, almost three-quarters of adults use social networking sites today, up from 8% in February 2005 to 72% in May 2013. Undoubtedly, this growth has been fueled in large part by the success of Facebook, which launched a year earlier in February 2004. While sites such as MySpace are now a distant memory, others such as LinkedIn have moved in. 

Women (74%) are slightly more likely than men (70%) to use social networking sites. The Hispanic population (80%) is the most highly represented racial/ethnic group using social media, compared to 75% for the Black/non-Hispanic and 70% for the White/non-Hispanic groups. Usage was consistent among all income levels, ranging from 71% for those earning $75,000+ to 75% for those earning less than $35,000 annually.

As would be expected, the 18-29 age bracket uses social networking the most, at 89%. The 30-49 segment also has embraced it to a very high level (78%). For the 50-64 group, affinity for social networking is still very substantial (60%), but also has substantial room for continued growth. While the 65+ group might be presumed to be the most resistant to social networking, a very substantial 43% were reported to use it. One explanation might be that as families have become more spread out, social networking with friends and family is a very practical  way to stay in touch - at least as long as they don't "unfriend" you.

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