Social Media Narrows Generational Gap

According to a Pew internet study, “nearly two-thirds of 50-64 year olds and 43% of those aged 65+ are now on Facebook” (2013). Personally, I love the connectivity and have found that I’m much more apt to communicate regularly with my aunts, uncles and cousins who are connected.  We regularly exchange pictures, follow each other’s adventures and comment on both the mundane and extra-ordinary. 

 At a recent family reunion, the questions were not about how much fun I had on vacation but rather details about various pictures, meals and activities. “How was Xplore? Was the trip to Tulum worth it? The food looked fabulous but how was the variety at the resort?”  It was surprising to me how much my great aunts and uncles knew about my life and my children. 

 

Undoubtedly, this is a positive benefit of modern connectivity.  Not only does it encourage multi-generational engagement but can genuinely help interested parties stay connected in ways not imagined 20 years ago.  Isn’t it amazing that I know when my mother’s second cousin is visiting and can choose to meet up with the extended family for a cocktail? While social media brings many challenges due to misguided or too personal posts, it can, also, build bridges between the young, the old and the distant.

Christine

 (6-August-2013).  More Elderly People Using Social Media, but Many Don’t Know What They are Doing in Daily News.