I don’t know about you but I love being online, but as I have got older I have noticed that it is more often assumed that I don’t know much about computers or actively engaged online. This belief is sometimes frustrating, but has also been the cause of much laughter when I show it isn’t true!
For some time marketers have been promoting the message that Boomers are rapidly embracing web technology and shouldn’t be underestimated as online consumers, but the idea has been slow to be accepted. I recently came across an article where Mary Brown told of a young technology-usage researcher who reported excitedly, “This person had adeptly created a warren of tech equipment in a cozy abode. Uploading, reloading, and troubleshooting multiple programs and utilities didn’t faze this individual in the least.” So far so good – until they added, “This person just happened to be a woman in her 70s. (She had also sewn quilted covers for all her equipment!)” No wonder people under-estimate us when even those involved in technology decisions are astonished to find Boomers have already embraced a great deal of technology!
A couple of weeks ago I noticed a new flurry of articles about Boomers and technology, and was pleased to see that data they presented confirms this trend. The latest numbers show that 2009 was a bumper year for Boomers getting involved with social networking, and that now 47% of us are on Facebook. The charts at right, originally published by emarketer.com, show how the age groups compare:
A quick survey of my own friends on Facebook show that nearly 55% are Boomers, so am a little surprised that the numbers shown above are so low. From my experience the majority of Boomers I know are active online with their own sites and blogs – not to mention those with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. To back up this admittedly circumstantial evidence, I should also report that I recently attended a MeetUp for web developers. Much to my surprise, the group was led by, and primarily attended by, Boomer women. Whatever other people choose to believe about us and technology, many Boomers appear to be happily working online, creating web-based projects, and in their spare time keep in touch through Facebook.
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Sometimes it is forgotten that we boomers having been using computers for our jobs since the 70′s!
I advertise on Facebook for my company because that is where my customers are hanging out. My customers are the first to alert us if there is a problem with our web site or what search words they used to find us. They are very computer saavy!
It may be true for some, but my children who are in their 30′s ask me computer questions. They only know what they do for their jobs but are becoming nieve to the fast pass of technology today and you can fall way behind if you do not keep up with the crowd. I believe it is because I work at home and have a bit more time that has brought me to move past them.