4 reasons older people should use social networks

TipsMake.com - One of the playgrounds for young people, social networks like Facebook are increasingly attracting many old people to use. A new study by Pew Internet and American Life Project (Pew), shows that the number of social network users aged 50 and over has nearly doubled in the past year, from the summer mark of the year. 2009, and it retains a strong uptrend.

Here are 4 reasons why Facebook, Twitter and other social networks are no longer a private playground for young people.

Find your old friend again

Using Facebook to search for friends and former colleagues is no longer unique to anyone, because according to Pew, 7 out of 10 people have used social networks for this purpose. About half of users aged 50 and over contacted their former relatives via social networks. When people retire or change careers, social networking can be the best way to stay in touch or get support.

Chronic diseases

Disability, according to Pew's notes, that chronic internet users tend to go to blogs or participate in online discussions, and the older people are at greater risk. this disease. Combine these two elements together, and you've got a sure argument that social networking sites are a way to find a community of people with the same disease to share experiences.

Shorten the generation gap

Pew said that older people can use social networks to connect with their children and grandchildren, although sometimes a bit of trouble. This organization does not provide specific data to support this claim, but it seems to be understandable when parents and grandparents want to connect with their children.

Gaming

Pew doesn't talk about the popularity of social-networking games like Farmville as one of the reasons Facebook can attract many users, but it seems to be obvious when you look at the number of players. Based on a study of social networking games conducted in February by PopCap, 22% of players aged 50 to 59 - the most - and 16% of players aged 60 or older.