Over 50s flock to Facebook

The stats are striking. In just two years, according to reports on The Canadian Press survey carried out by Harris-Decima, both the number of and age of social media users is growing. Why? People want to communicate, stay connected and be part of a community. The same reasons as always, just new media.

The Harris-Decima survey of at least 1,000 Canadians found that 68 per cent of them used social media in 2011, up from 57 per cent two years ago. In the 2009 survey, only 39 per cent of people over 50 used social media, now it is 57 per cent - with 97 percent saying they use Facebook.

Many use it to stay connected with family members and connect with brands. The increase in use is linked to more familiarity with technology, a desire to build or remain linked to family members using social media, and, motivation to research products and services.

This trend demonstrates 'where there is a will, there is a way'. Those who see the value in new media in their personal lives will be motivated to learn about it. Again, the desire to learn will inspire people to explore ways to communicate. This can be applied to any learning.

The next stage will be the use to social media to enhance literacy and learning. Are we ready?