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Social Media, Baby Boomers, and Business
Written by Buddy Hobart on April 6th, 2010
A national magazine recently approached us for some comments regarding social media and Gen Y. One of their questions had me thinking about how Boomers’ and Xers’ prejudices may extend far beyond what I had originally thought. As a strategic planning consulting business, we are now seeing how managers’ prejudices toward Gen Y are negatively affecting the implementation of certain technologies.
We were asked about the implementation of social media and how it may differ from generation to generation. This question had me thinking, so I conducted an informal and unscientific survey of several of our clients. The overwhelming feeling among Baby Boomer managers is that social media isn’t really to be taken seriously. When I pressed these leaders as to why, almost every one referred to the early days of social networking and quote the “drunken frat parties and girls gone wild” type of content. I was amazed at how much residual negativity there still is about the early days of social networking.
The interesting thing is that Boomers themselves are increasingly using these technologies to communicate. According to a recent study, over 60% of Baby Boomers are consuming social media content. They aren’t, in large part, creating the content, but they are consuming it.
One of the key elements in Gen Y Now is for leaders to first seek understanding, then awareness, and finally alignment. Ever since the magazine asked us about social networking, I have wondered how many businesses are missing an opportunity because they lack understanding, are not seeking awareness, and are certainly not aligned to some of the latest technologies and communication tools.
Boomers, I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on social media and its impact on the modern workplace today?
Ashley on April 6, 2010 at 4:55 pm
I’m not a baby boomer, but I’m putting in my two cents anyway! As a member of Gen Y working in an office with only one other member of my own generation, I see this fight against social media every day. I think so many companies are missing countless opportunities to interact with customers and potential customers via social media because they think social media = Facebook circa 2005 (drunk college kids and inappropriate wall posts.) I truly believe, however, that social media is the future of customer service, community development, marketing and PR for all businesses both for-profit and non-profit!
Buddy Hobart on April 9, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Hi Ashley, thanks so much for your input. Have you made any progress within your organization in educating baby boomers on the benefits/necessities of using these tools? Any tips for other Gen Yers? Would love to hear your thoughts.