Baby Boomers Hate Social Networking
It’s funny that just after writing a post about slacktivism I read yet another article on how to save ourselves from social networking in the . As if we haven’t seen enough of these articles in newspapers about social networking. We get it–most journalists and “real” writers think social networking threatens the cultural bastionsl of our society, but I’m becoming more and more convinced of a clear generational bias. In short; Baby Boomers hate social networking. Okay, not all Boomers hate social networking, and certainly people of other generations also regard social media with contempt. I have no idea how old Sara Faith Alterman is, but in her article “Beat The Tweet,” she’s expressing the sentiments of the “Me Generation” who finds themselves no longer relevant (I’m look at you ).
I’ve yet to find anyone who advocates dropping out of real life and living online and am weary of seeing that straw man set up again and again by writers doing their best to make it seem noble that they don’t do it. And it wouldn’t be a proper straw man argument unless you deliberately emphasize the obnoxious side of social networking and leave out the amazing things people are accomplishing using social networking. For instance, raised $250,000 through a — a series of meetings among followers on Twitter. charity; water has provided 650,000 people with clean water by building wells in countries throughout the world through a combination of social networking and partnerships with humanitarian organizations. is using social media to raise a minimum of $144,000 for 12 charities over the course of 2009, with a new charity being supported every month. charity: water and 12for12 are just two examples of the potential social networking holds for making real world change. Of course, Sara Faith Alterman lives all of this out of her article, choosing to focus on the tired meme of narcissism.
Sure, some people take it to far, but it’s up to you if you to filter out who and what you’re not interested in–easily done with a few clicks in the settings sections of any social networking platform. That’s one of the great things about social networking–you’re in complete control of what you do and how much time you spend doing it. And there is no doubt that social networking will continue to evolve in ways we cannot predict that will ultimately make it an even more useful and satisfying activity.
What these contemptuous articles have in common (besides contempt) is that they reflect a generation gap in the way that young and old (yes, I’m calling Yuppies old) view social networking and digital media. In fact, the . Here is a list of high-level conclusions:
There is a generation gap in how youth and adults view the value of online activity.
- Adults tend to be in the dark about what youth are doing online, and often view online activity as risky or an unproductive distraction.
- Youth understand the social value of online activity and are generally highly motivated to participate.
Youth are navigating complex social and technical worlds by participating online.
- Young people are learning basic social and technical skills that they need to fully participate in contemporary society.
- The social worlds that youth are negotiating have new kinds of dynamics, as online socializing is permanent, public, involves managing elaborate networks of friends and acquaintances, and is always on.
In other words, get used to social networking because it’s not going anywhere whether Boomers like it or not. Kids are “…developing a broad range of sophisticated new literacy and technical skills,” and have access to information and culture different generations couldn’t even imagine And they are using that information to make social change. The way the Obama campaign leveraged social networking into on the ground action is a perfect example of this. Let’s just say that some generations have a hard time letting go of the fact that their way of doing things is not the only way anymore. The idea that community and meaningful relationships can be developed online threatens traditional ideas about how relationships are developed.
The premise that because something happens online it’s less valid than something that happens in the “real world” brings us back to the idea “slacktivism.” As I’ve discussed previously, people use the label to bemoan what they see as lazy activism that takes place primarily online. It’s automatically assumed by those invested in traditional tactics that online activism is not as authentic, meaningful, or successful as boots on the ground tactics. What’s missing from this conversation is a recognition of reality. We now live in a culture in which social networking is a reality–it’s not going away. Writers like Sara Faith Alterman would be well advised to try a bit harder to understand the advantages and potential of social networking rather than just focusing on it’s most trivial aspects. The alternative is to be left behind while others change the world around you.
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- Snarky Baby Boomers
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- The DotNets Are More Liberal Than Previous Generations
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[...] way I never thought possible back in the “dark ages” of the 60’s and 70’s. Myrna expresses this very well in her latest: I’ve yet to find anyone who advocates dropping out of real life and living online [...]
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OMG…MY inner tree-huging semi-savvy hippy self will not be discouraged or intimidated by a label like slacktivist. I have promised myself and my small network of friends and family that I will participate with them and other persons and/or groups in my desire to do and support what is or can be GOOD in the world through social networking. I have much to learn, still. When at age 73 (10 years my senior), my BFF replies to an email, “You really need to get on Twitter.”, I am listening! She is a Dept. Chair at a Colorado University so I know how she spends the majority of HER time. Baby-boomers…many of us have jumped into the web…we can kick some butt, participate in change, continue to be a part of history since we’re living longer and there are so many of us. One thing we are not is slackers. We are the grown-ups, after all – we should be able to handle social networking maturely! Right, Sara Faith?
I’m barely a boomer (born in 1962), but I agree. I think the boomers got so used to rewriting the rules and reinventing everything they touched, they’re indignant when anyone else tries to do the same.
I got into social networking to keep up with my kids … I just don’t get why boomer parents, who are such pals with their kids, haven’t jumped into social networking in greater numbers.
Love the MacArthur research!
OK maybe… but there are a lot of people over 50 who see social networking as just the opposite. Especially if you think of blogging as part of social networking. See this perspective in the paragraph titled sharing our stories
I know I have a few friend who won’t read blogs – even mine – and who are not on Facebook or Twitter. But on the other hand I have a lot of over 50 friend who are on Facebook. I just interviewed one on my podcast who started his own webpage in the early 90s long before the days of blogs.
BTW I was born in 1952 and I get a lot of comments form people way younger than me who don’t get Twitter and aren’t really interested in new technology period.
I realize you said that there are exceptions but I hate being lumped into a generalization
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A good read about the generation gap and social networking: [link to post]
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Marion, of course you’re right. The intent was pretty much to be hyperbolic and provocative. I also can’t lie–as someone who’s heard all about the accomplishments of Boomers, it’s hard to resist poking fun at the sense of entitlement I’ve often experienced
And of course all the advice I read about how to get people to read your blog is to take a stand and be provocative. So you are doing the right thing
Now don’t get me wrong, blogging and social media have played a significant and positive role in my life, and the power of connecting with individuals across wide expanses of time and distance is irrefutable.
However, those that choose to apply their time to other forms of “social networking” through other means ie conferences, meetings, events, groups, phone, email, etc have just as much success. In fact, some of the biggest so called “social media experts” build their notoriety more through offline channels and then use online to further extend it.
The Twitter charity data would be more compelling if it stated that they increased the money raised from previous years because of their use of it. Certainly many millions of dollars have been raised in the past for worthy causes through traditional channels.
Hate is just a strong word. People who choose not engage in online social media are not necessarily individuals who don’t get it, they may very well find greater success in other mediums. I think we all tend to get a little too evangelical about it when the reality is that no single mode of communication is 100% effective.
Since Twitter is so new expecting historical data is probably a lot. So let’s all check back next year. The point is that online and offline activism need to be combined. If you are doing one without the other you are making a mistake.
And again, the title was meant to be ridiculous.
Not historical data related to Twitter, but the difference between sans Twitter and con Twitter. Haven’t been to the old Reno Disco Tent in a while. Glad to see you still keep your dukes up Myrna! ;~)