Survey: Gen Y Never too Old for Social Networking
In a survey about the future impact of the internet, a majority of technology experts and stakeholders said the Millennial generation will lead society into a new world of personal disclosure and information-sharing using new media.
The experts said the communications patterns “digital natives” have already embraced through their use of social networking technology and other social technology tools will carry forward even as Millennials age, form families and move up the economic ladder.
In English, this means that this generation will never give up on social networking and will continue to push innovation in the space.
The study conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project and Elon University’s Imagining the Internet Center, surveyed over 800 highly engaged, diverse sets of respondents online.
The survey found that:
67% agreed with the following statement:
“By 2020, members of Generation Y (today’s “digital natives”) will continue to be ambient broadcasters who disclose a great deal of personal information in order to stay connected and take advantage of social, economic, and political opportunities. Even as they mature, have families, and take on more significant responsibilities, their enthusiasm for widespread information sharing will carry forward.”Some 29% agreed with the opposite statement:
“By 2020, members of Generation Y (today’s “digital natives”) will have “grown out” of much of their use of social networks, multiplayer online games and other time-consuming, transparency-engendering online tools. As they age and find new interests and commitments, their enthusiasm for widespread information sharing will abate.”
One of the more interesting things about the survey was that most of those who responded said that the disclosure of personal information online carries many social benefits as people open up to others in order to build friendships, form and find communities, seek help and build their reputations.
Respondents said that Millennials have already seen the benefits and will not reduce their use of these social tools over the next decade as they take on more responsibilities while growing older.
For more on the survey results, check out the full report.
What do you think of the study and the perceived use of social media now and in the future for this generation?
Follow Technorati