Skopinski+Blog+Analysis


 * TO:** Proximity Social Networking Team
 * FROM:** Nicole Skopinski
 * SUBJECT:** Social Networking and It's Users
 * DATE:** January 4, 2010

We were asked to analyze a blog post concerning Gen Y's experience with social networking. In this memo, I will give a summary of an article published by ReadWriteWeb. Throughout my summary, we will explore who is using social networking sites and how to appeal to other generations. I have also included questions that may be helpful to clients in a survey to improve existing social networking sites.

There are certain demographics that pertain to the users of each site. A study conducted by Anderson Analytics showed the following as the breakdown: **
 * Who Uses Social Networking Sites?
 * Facebook - older generation, wealthy, and caucasian
 * MySpace - younger generation and "fleeing"
 * Twitter - part-time job holders
 * LinkedIn - technologically experienced and athletic

While these seemed to be the dominant characteristics, the study showed that there was a significant overlap in who used what sites, MySpace and Facebook being the leaders It also showed that these users signed in at least four times per day, five times per week, equalling approximately one hour per day. Some users even stay logged in throughout the day in order to keep themselves informed.


 * How Are Social Networking Sites Useful?**

Many people use social networking sites for many different reasons. A few of the most popular reasons why people flock to these sites are the following:
 * Keeping in touch with family and friends
 * Meeting new people
 * Informing themselves of new and updated information

There were also some myths that the Anderson Analytical study brought to the surface. Out of the 11,000 people that were surveyed, only 45% of them connect to family and friends and 18% of them only connect with people with whom they've met. Another issue that has been brought up in regards to social networking sites is the abundance of networking while at work; only 15% of people said that they use these sites while working. The reasons for those who are not users of social networking sites is not that they are technologically challenged, they just feel as though the sites or stupid and/or they do not have enough time.


 * Questions to Ask Social Networking Site Users:**

The answers to the following questions will help Proximity clients better understand the popularity of social networking sites among Gen Y as well as how to better improve sites like these to appeal to other generations:
 * What can the creators do to appeal to different generations and demographics?
 * What applications could be added to make the sites more effective?
 * Are the demographics for Facebook changing because MySpace users are switching to Facebook?

By asking these questions, the makers of existing and upcoming social networking sites can improve and create the quality and availability in order to make them more appealing.

Reference:

Perez, S. (2009, December 31) Who Uses Social Networks and What Are They Like? Part 1. ReadWriteWeb. Retrieved Jan. 4, 2010 from http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/who_uses_social_networks_and_what_are_they_like_pa.php