How the generations use facebook

A study from Anderson Analytics shows how the generations are using social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Generation Z (13 to 14 years old) use MySpace (65%) and Facebook (61%) more than any other site in the study. Only 9% of this group use Twitter, and none use LinkedIn.

75% of Generation Y (15 to 29 years old) use MySpace with 65% on Facebook.

The Generation X group (30 to 44 years old) and baby boomers (44 to 65 years old), are likely to use Facebook, followed by Twitter, and are the biggest users of LinkedIn.

90% older social network users, which Anderson Analytics name the WWII generation, used Facebook, and 17% tweeted. The Baby Boomers and WWII groups are least likely to use MySpace.

When users were asked why they joined a social network, however, the reasons were similar across the generations: everybody wanted to keep in touch with friends and family. Younger groups were most likely to be interested in fun and friends, while family contact appealed more to older social networkers.

Despite our best efforts to sell our causes on the various social networks, very few users of any age joined for business-related purposes such as recruiting potential candidates, sales, job searches or business networking.

So the challenge continues to be getting the attention of people who are on site to network with family and friends, and then convert interested social networking followers into committed supporters.