Thursday, March 10, 2011

FACEBOOK ROCKS FOR BOOMERS

Regardless of which research you read, it’s apparent that Baby Boomers are making their presence known on Facebook. Whether it’s Deloitte data touting that nearly 47% of Boomers are on Facebook or the NPD Group claiming it’s more like 41%, the bottom line is that Boomers are moving into the world of online social networking. Of course, how we and others will use this technology and all that it has to offer is a question that’s yet to be answered. As Facebook evolves, so will the ways that members will choose to weave it into their social fabric.

I’ve experienced first hand the advantages of being a Facebook member. Like many Boomers, my wife and I were not exactly early adapters. In fact, it was our college-age son who prodded us for nearly a year to sign up. Because he’s not much of a phone conversationalist, he informed us that if we wanted to stay abreast of his life, Facebook was the way. As a result, we became converts, singing the praises of this online community to everyone in our network of friends.

In the beginning, I had some apprehensions about my security, privacy, etc. I decided to approach it the same way I approach the security of my home. I don’t let strangers in the door; I keep the doors locked, keep security lights on at night and have two dogs that bark when something isn’t quite right. After many conversations with my marketing colleagues and those in the know, I realized I could incorporate those same principals into my Facebook account.

I follow the same line of thinking when deciding what I post, and who I make it available to. Since there’s no doubt I’m a product of two parents from the “Silent Generation,” I’m not keen on sharing too much personal information, even with family and friends. So much as in my off-line life, when I share photos from a recent trip or social activity on Facebook, I’m selective about whom I share it with. I think about online privacy this way: do you allow the guests in your home to have free run of all your drawers, photo albums, file cabinets, etc.? Of course not! So use the same approach with Facebook.

On the downside, Facebook has implemented so many features for security that it can be a little confusing for the novice user. I often wonder if there is a method to their madness and the answer is, of course! It’s like disclosures you find on everything you sign, small print in legalise. For participants who want to maintain the highest level of security measures, it requires a bit of due diligence on their part or a very tech savvy friend. Keep in mind that Facebook is notorious for making changes that can jeopardize some or all of your personal security settings. My suggestion is start off with the locks on and as you become comfortable, you can unlock the ones that make sense for you.

So far, I’ve been extremely pleased with the way I’ve chosen to set up my online social life, both personally and professionally. I feel I’m right up there with the 20- and 30- something’s, but have an experience that’s tailored more for me and my lifestyle. There’s no one size fits all when it comes to managing your Facebook account because it’s all about you and how you want to present yourself to your world of family and friends. Social media may not be every Boomer’s cup of tea, but if you’re a social person like I am, it ROCKS!

-posted by Thomas A. Gorski

Labels: Baby Boomers, Facebook, Baby Boomers and Social Networking, Baby Boomers and Facebook

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