How People Use Social Media Changes as They Get Older

July 30, 2024

Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are super popular, especially with young people. But did you know that as people get older, they tend to use these sites less? Let’s explore why this happens and what it means for businesses trying to reach different age groups.

Who Uses Social Media the Most?

Young adults, especially those between 18 and 29 years old, are the biggest fans of social media. They’re all over platforms like Snapchat and TikTok. However, as people move into their thirties and beyond, they start to spend less time on these sites. For example, while almost all young adults use YouTube, only about half of people over 65 do.

Why Do Older People Use Social Media Less?

There are several reasons why older folks might not be as interested in social media:

• Busy with Family and Work: As people grow up, they often start families and get more serious about their jobs. This means they have less free time to scroll through social media.

• Prefer Real Conversations: Older adults usually like talking to people in person more than chatting online. They find face-to-face talks more meaningful.

• Tired of Being Online: Some people get tired of always being on social media. They also worry more about keeping their personal information private.

• Don’t Need Likes as Much: Older people often don’t care as much about getting likes or comments on their posts. They feel confident without needing approval from the internet.

What Does This Mean for Businesses?

Businesses need to think about these differences when they try to talk to different age groups. To connect with older people, they might need to use different methods than they would with younger folks. For example, they could use more videos that explain things in detail or show how to use products in everyday life.