In my quest to understand social networks better, I just read an article in the Feb 12th issue of New York magazine which I found very interesting. The underlying premise is that the under 30 generation that is the driver in the growth and sustainability of social networks is OK with giving up their privacy in order to gain an audience and that this is creating a true generation gap not seen since the early days of Rock n Roll. You can read the full article here for yourself but here are some points and thoughts:
1) I think she is right about the privacy angle. While the older gens tend to be highly concerned about our images, personal space, right to no phone solicitations and desire to be left alone, the younger gens are willing (and able) to expose much more of themselves to public scrutiny. Some of the reason may be that at 22 yrs old, there is not a lot to lose while at 40+ with a family and kids and a house - there is more on the line. Another reason is that the younger gen hasn’t found their groove in life and having pictures, diaries, friend circles, etc. means that they are better connected than just a college, high school or neighborhood cirlce. The internet is huge after all.
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