By now it’s clear that the baby boom generation have more to offer the world than just a larger population. We’re smart, technology-savvy and not to mention—believers of Web 2.0 and any technological advanced tool. In “Social Networking Demographics: Boomers Jump In, Gen Y Plateaus,” (http://www.micropersuasion.com/2009/03/social-networking-demographics.html) Steve Rubel explains how technology is affecting how companies choose to communicate with cliental around the world. While at some point, many other technological tools have failed when updates are needed- social networking methods have continued to excel, being both efficient and effective. Why are companies both large and small using social networking methods? It’s simple. For a couple of years, companies have stood back to see the effects of Web 2.0 applications such as Facebook and Twitter, waiting for them to fail or witness an error that tainted a person or a business. As years pasted, smaller companies chose to join the crowd and use Web 2.0 applications to reach a larger audience—and it worked. From that point, larger companies begin to do the same and all reaped benefits.
Based on Ana Leckenby’s article “Mexican Government is using Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and other Social Media” (http://www.multilingual-search.com/mexican-government-is-using-twitter-facebook-youtube-and-other-social-media/09/09/2009) and my own research experience, I presume that over 60% of companies, both small and corporate, have either an Facebook, Myspace or Twitter account in which they reach out to clients and potential clients. It has become their means of communication. Based on Rubel’s research, it seems that this is because of the baby boomers generation is “embracing popular consumer technology applications nearly 20 times faster than younger generation.” The baby boomer generation is becoming accelerated on almost every level. In the linked article “Does the Tech-savvy Baby Boomer Exist,” co-founder of a popular boomer social website, Dr. Reisen concludes that “Kids adopt new technology because it’s fun and cool and they’re curious” (http://www.articlesbase.com/self-improvement-articles/does-the-techsavvy-baby-boomer-exist-724405.html).
Of course the goal of any business it to give its clients the best service it can while recruiting new cliental. The most efficient way to do so is to reach them on a common everyday level. For many cliental, this method is social networking sites. Hence, it’s not unusual that PROFECO Magazine and other companies, including government divisions have chosen to use social networking tools. I believe many people fear that such sites will deplete their credibility; however, in an odd way—it seems that cliental appreciate their new advanced communication outlets. It’s different, it’s refreshing, it’s new. It gives consumers the opportunity to know as much as they choose to and through providing opportunity, consumers react more positively because they have options and therefore, a voice.
The following link is an article written by Jon Swartz in USA Today entitled “Social networking sites help companies boost productivity:” http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2008-10-07-social-network-work_N.htm. The article supports Leckenby’s article discussing how both public and private companies have chosen to promote themselves on social networking sites in hopes to become more productive and also, more exploring. Based on all of the articles read in addition to web 2.0 knowledge already attained, it is safe to say that social networking is a productive tool that will continue to advance.
