.jpg)
Twitter's explosive growth is being driven, not by the younger
crowd, but by younger Baby Boomers.
You'd think that social networking is the territory of younger people. But the explosive growth of social networking site Twitter is due to younger Baby Boomers, according to statistics from ComScore.
Overall, the stats for Twitter are staggering: Traffic is up 700 percent over last year. In the past two months, Twitter's numbers have grown worldwide by five million. In the United States alone, Twitter traffic accounted for four million visitors in February 2009, a 1,000 percent jump over last year.
The big surprise, according to Twitter watchers, is who's behind the growth.
ComScore says people aged 45 to 54 are 36 percent more likely to use Twitter than anyone else.
Baby Boomers 55 to 64 are Twitter users on a slightly lower level, but at a greater frequency than users aged 18 to 24.
That's because Twitter has become less of a social network and more of a marketing/social network.
A New York Times article pointed out that younger people will favor their cellphones to text each other in private, albeit brief and coded, one-on-one conversations.
With Twitter, your 140 character or less communiqués are seen by everyone who follows you.
“I just think it’s weird and I don’t feel like everyone needs to know what I’m doing every second of my life,” said one teen interviewed by the Times.
PC World's analysis is this:
"The numbers are not that surprising when you consider that many businesses are turning toward Twitter for public relations, brand management and even customer service. Add to that the non-stop parade of 'Internet entrepreneurs' and self-appointed 'social media evangelists' and ComScore's results start to make more sense."
Comments
Boomers have been coming around to social media at large more and more, whether it's to connect with kids or grandkids on Facebook, find new jobs through LinkedIn, or enter into dialog on Twitter. Specialists like Carlos Hernandez (@CarlosHernandez) have been helping to reduce fears in and teach Boomers how to embrace this otherwise unfamiliar terrain. We explore Boomers and a slightly older generation in a post on our site, WebAdvantage.net entitled, "The Senior Side of Social Media." (unfortunately, the Examiner site does not let us include direct links).
I am on Twitter but if you'd like my honest opinion, I would summarize it this way: Everybody talks, nobody listens!
I love twitter, among sever other social sites. I've made some great online friends, learned a lot, and found like-minded bloggers this way.
I also have many online friends who are as much as 85 years old, and they are bright and as active online as anyone. I think it's a great way to stay savvy and positive.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!