Teenagers are difficult enough to start with just because they're teenagers, but now someone has done a study that shows "Teenagers Prove Fickle When Choosing Social Networks." Anyone surprised? I'm not. In an article from the NY Times, Bianca Bosker talks about a semi-report on the habits of American teens, suggesting that more teens today are starting to use Twitter more than Facebook. According to the article, of 8,650 teens surveyed "with an average age of 16 and found that only 23 percent now see Facebook as an important Web site, down from 33 percent six months ago, and 42 percent last year." This entrepreneur article from August 2013 states that 81% of teens are using social media over 72% of adults. This information shows, though, that Facebook is still reigning champion with the teenage crowd with a 94% of teen use and only a 26% usage total for Twitter. Of course these numbers could be taken from different areas of the country or maybe in only 2 months, the minds of the children have changed--again, there wouldn't be much surprise there--but not matter, it's said that Twitter is becoming more and more popular; but why?Research claims that the reason younger people are changing sides in the social media world is because with Twitter, they can more freely express them selves and it's harder to do on Facebook. This possibly because of the horrific amounts of cyber bullying that goes on with Facebook. That, and anyone and everyone is on Facebook, so no matter what you say or post, there is always someone watching. When questioned about their social media usage, one teenager put simply, “Yeah, that’s why we go on Twitter and Instagram [instead of Facebook]. My mom doesn’t have that.”
It is true that Twitter is on the rise in popularity and will continue to do so, but Facebook isn't worried. They have something that has hooked kids more than Twitter: Instagram. The Facebook owned app is popular among the kids and adults alike and as long as it's around, Facebook has no way of completely losing out to Twitter.
It's interesting, though. Kids are trying to get away from mom and their older family by starting to use Twitter, but no one ever thought Facebook would be as popular with the adults as it is, so what's to say that Twitter won't catch on and grab the attention of mommy dearest so that she can keep track of her children? If teens start using Twitter and then realize the elders are closing in on that too, whatever will they do? Revert back to MySpace...that thing they barely even know exists. No matter what they do, though, one thing will remain the same: teens will remain fickle, plugged in and unable to make up their minds. At least they're consistent.
It seems like Facebook users are getting younger and younger each day. What age is it too young to get a Facebook? I think that teenagers should be right around 16, before they get a Facebook. I found it very interesting with the numbers that your provided, and the amount of teens that are currently using Facebook. Was there a age category that you found at all, where it shows how old the teenagers are?
ReplyDeleteI have Facebook and scroll through it regularly, but I can't actually remember the last time I posted something. Maybe January?? I primarily use Twitter and sometimes post to Instagram. I agree that I've probably made the switch to avoid feeling too socially exposed to my family members to some extent, but its also because Twitter and Instagram are less fuss, more fun. I would consider them more user friendly and I like the simpler concept. You post short comments and messages and photos with short captions (short being the key word). It's easier on the eyes, too. There's just so many ads, so much spam and garbage on Facebook--it's too much for me. This is a very interesting trend in social media and I tend to agree with it for the most part. As a college student especially, there are just some things my grandma(s) and relatives don't need to see or read. (And don't even get me started on some of the things those family members post either!)
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