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What, if any, are the generational differences in Facebook user habits?Are there generational differences in the purpose for using Facebook? How has Facebook usage adapted over the past decade (across all generations)? How is Facebook usage among the newest members to Facebook today different than that of today’s more experienced Facebook users?
Hello! Thank you for your question: What, if any, are the generational differences in Facebook user habits? Are there generational differences in the purpose for using Facebook? How has Facebook usage adapted over the past decade (across all generations)? How is Facebook usage among the newest members of Facebook today different than that of today’s more experienced Facebook users?
In short, the generational differences in Facebook habits are minimal for all generations with the exception of Gen Z, and have been for almost a decade. The biggest changes are in the consumption and interaction on Facebook in relation to television programming over all generations and Gen Z who wants to be influencers and celebrities. They use social media to achieve this goal. This generation prefers YouTube, Snapchat and Instagram for their social networking.
Gen Xers use Facebook more than any other generation and Baby boomers are the fast growing demographic today. There are other subtle differences noted among different generations, throughout the last decade, but for the most part, all generations report the main reason to use Facebook is to keep up with friends and family. This has not changed in almost a decade. Below you will find a deep dive of my findings.
METHODOLOGY
To research your request, I searched the following: Academic databases, Industry reports, Trusted media sites, User forums and review sites. I read through articles, case studies, and surveys spanning for 2009 – 2017. I then compiled the statistics and recorded them in 3 different eras; 2009, 2013-2014, and 2016-2017, to give you an overall view of the generational Facebook user habits for almost a decade.
GENERATIONAL USAGE OF FACEBOOK 2009
In a 2009 study regarding social media and the use of Facebook, the top two reasons for using Facebook reported by all generations are to “keep in touch with friends” and “for fun.” Older generations primarily use Facebook to keep in touch with family.
Top 5 reasons for Facebook:
GENERATIONAL USAGE OF FACEBOOK IN 2013 -2014
In a 2014 survey, around 54% of social media users say that Facebook is essential in their life, this is up from a 2003 study that showed only 37% thought that Facebook was essential.
Percentage of Facebook users by age 2014 & 2013:
This 2014 study predicted that social network use was peaking, the changes were in how people are accessing social media platforms. The smartphone was becoming the primary device for accessing most social networks.
“Most of the major social networks began as platforms to facilitate connections with friends, family, celebrities, and brands. Now they have become comprehensive mobile ecosystems, driven by increasing consumer adoption of social commerce, media content, and user-generated photos and videos."
GENERATIONAL USEAGE OF FACEBOOK TODAY
A 2016 Neilson study showed that Generation X, spend more time on social platforms a week than any other adult age group.
Average time spent on social media:
This Nielsen report did not cover the under 18 age group, however, a 2015 CNN report stated that “teens spend approximately 9 hours a day consuming media.” This is higher than any other generation.
One of the big trends in Facebook interaction today is related to television programming. Every day of the week, generation X, millennials and baby boomers are interacting in large percentages related to programming over Facebook.
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thur. Fri. Sat. Sun.
When it comes to this trend, the top 5 interactions documented across all age groups are:
A large trend in Facebook usage with millennials is to learn about news events. Around 88% of millennials say they get their news from Facebook and 57% do so at least once a day.
Other reasons millennials use Facebook are, to read or watch post by other people related to news stories or headlines, 42%, post or share news content, and 34% comment on headlines, news stories, or links, and 58% look for funny lists, videos and other forms of entertainment. However, the biggest reason millennials are on Facebook is sharing with friends, 76% reported this as the top reason for using Facebook.
More and more baby boomers are turning to Facebook to keep up with friends and are considered the fastest growing demographic.
Facebook has over 1.94 billion monthly active users globally in 2017. Around 29.7% of users are between the ages of 25-34. Facebook is still the preferred social network by 65% of Gen Xers and baby boomers, 35% millennials and only 24% of 18-24-year-old.
Generations Z has a different view on social media networks.
A study found that when it came to the purchase of a smartphone, four times as many from Gen Z than any other generation say 13 is an appropriate age to get a smartphone. Older generations think 18 is a good age. Gen Z wants to be influencers and celebrities. They use social media to achieve this goal. This generation prefers YouTube, Snapchat and Instagram for their social networking.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the generational differences in Facebook habits are minimal for all generations with the exception of Gen Z, and have been for almost a decade. The biggest changes are in the consumption and interaction on Facebook in relation to television programming over all generations and Gen Z who wants to be influencers and celebrities. They use social media to achieve this goal. This generation prefers YouTube, Snapchat and Instagram for their social networking. Gen Xers use Facebook more than any other generation and Baby boomers are the fast growing demographic today. There are other subtle differences noted among different generations, throughout the last decade, but for the most part, all generations report the main reason to use Facebook is to keep up with friends and family. This has not changed in almost a decade.
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