Comments on: Facebook or Just Face-Look? Are People 55 And Older Really Using Social Networking Websites?

By: Peter John Stubbs

Peter John Stubbs — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:34:25 +0000

16 March 2010

Hi Glenn

Have been a Facebook account holder for a few months ago however to say I do possess a fairly high level of detestation of it despite accessing it daily for a very short period of time.

Am a very intelligent, wise mature mail of 61 years however do possess a fairly young and modern outlook on life. As far as Facebook is concerned I regard it has being very false/artificial, it breeds insularity, does not promote high quality social interaction/skills/opportunities. Face to face intelligent worldly conversation/discussion is by far much more enjoyable.

Recently I deleted two or three contacts, the reason being that I was attempting to get some good level of interaction between them and I about various interesting topical/everyday subjects e.g current affairs, music and was getting no reaction/no response, really do feel some people need a kick up the b**t.

With sincere best wishes.

Peter

Bournemouth
Dorset (County)
UK

By: Louis Lyons

Louis Lyons — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:01:52 +0000

I think it is because of the younger users. What better way to keep up with the kids? I wish my parents would get on board.

By: Susan Fuller

Susan Fuller — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:26:40 +0000

I am a 58 year old techno-geek. I think your article reflects an age bias all your own (or maybe your generation). The real problem with Facebook for those of us over 55 is that it’s childish. I do recognize it’s marketing significance but all the invites to this and that are just nonsense. Twitter is much more my speed as long as it doesn’t get taken over by internet marketers. Just because I am one doesn’t mean I like a lot of what others do, and for me that’s the wisdom of age.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:51:53 +0000

I’m 64 and I love Facebook. I originally got on because my kids were using it , and have since reconnected with HS, college friends and former co workers. Even some neighbors I see weekly at Church. I enjoy sharing and looking at pictures others share, and catching up on their lives. I don’t use many of the aps. Some carry viruses and I don’t know which ones can be trusted. I also like that it’s free!

By: Graham

Graham — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:27:09 +0000

That is very interesting. I think that one possibility that the elderly are using these social networking sites is because of the coverage in Iran. Facebook and Youtube have become the primary source for footage because the content television can show is somewhat limited. This is the story I read earlier about Social Networking.

http://www.expertsem.com/2009/06/26/social-media-threat-or-thread/

By: MN

MN — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:29:57 +0000

I’m a female in that demographic and loooooove Facebook. I’ll admit most of my friends on Facebook have been younger than I am until recently — some significantly; however, I noticed people in my demographic started showing up this Spring. It was almost like someone suddenly left the gate open. I’ve now reconnected with people I hadn’t talked to in 25+ years. A lot of them aren’t on it all the time like I am, and very few are into the gaming apps. It’s still interesting to watch them catch up. Glad I’m in the 5%. There are way too many outdated misconceptions about this demographic. Boomers aren’t going to be like any older population in the past. Count on it!

By: Glenn Gabe

Glenn Gabe — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:11:18 +0000

@Adrian, thanks for your comment and for the great example of what your son and his friends are doing. I completely agree, they move at light speed, using new technology like it’s not even new… :) Also glad to hear you are using Facebook and other social networks. I hope more people in your age group do the same!

By: Evalyn

Evalyn — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:38:22 +0000

I use Facebook to keep up with photos from family and loved it, But Now I can not login to Facebook. When ever I do it shuts down Windows Internet Exxplorere. Why?

By: visitor

visitor — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:44:05 +0000

Interesting article…thanks for sharing…for those 55+ leaving comments here…you guys/gals are outliers by definition…’normal’ folks don’t read SEJ :P

By: Janette

Janette — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:44:35 +0000

Thank you for this article.
This will shed some light on Facebook users for some of my most skeptic clients, whom of which happen to be in this age bracket.
I do believe that as time goes on more and more people 50+ will adopt more social media practices.
I remember the time when email scared people away.