There are more seniors joining Facebook now than in previous years. This is according to a survey completed by the Pew Internet Center last August of 2012. According to Mary Madden, the company’s research associate:

“Thirty-eight percent of adult social media users are over the age of 65. One in 3 online seniors say they use social networking sites.”

More and more seniors now use Facebook to interact with their loved ones. (Image: via videoproductiontips.com)

Seniors are motivated to join Facebook so that they can connect with friends and family, especially when they live far away from each other.

They will have a harder time learning Facebook, though, says Abby Stokes, an author who wrote the book “Is This Thing On? A Computer Handbook for Late Bloomers, Technophobes and the Kicking & Screaming.”

According to Stokes:

“I refer to anybody over the age of 40 as a digital immigrant. You can learn anything but you learn it at a slower pace.”

Stokes adds that seniors are put off by the fact that ‘social networking’ sounds devious.  They fear sharing too much online, given that Facebook is a public place.

Senior Facebook users should then be advised about what the site is all about in terms of its basic purposes. Stokes said:

“Knowing that someone’s wall is public or how to send direct messages are important things to explain to a new user. And just because you knew someone 30 years ago doesn’t mean you have to say ‘Yes’ to their friend request. It’s OK to be cautious. I tell seniors they should use the same discrimination they would when letting someone into their home.”

About Neal Alfie Lasta

I enjoy learning and writing about social media and the latest in mobile updates.