Share the Wealth!

I was watching the news this morning whilst blow-drying my hair – always the optimistic multi-tasker – when I happened to hear a little snippet about a new over-50s social networking site called Saga Zone.

Now the fact that the older generation is embracing the internet age is nothing that we haven’t picked up on already and have mentioned in a previous blog, Forget Baking, Grandma’s Online! But the thought of our grandparents sitting on their couches, Laptop in tow, doesn’t seem like a very realistic picture – or does it?

Research suggests that over-65s are the largest growing syndicate to use the internet but does this mean that they will no longer trot off to the café for a cuppa, or down to the pub for a pint? Instead, will their weekly social gathering be in an online group dedicated to the latest gardening tips, called “Show me your Greenfinger!”? It seems that after a 4 month trial gathering 13,000 users, the answer is Yes!

In The Guardian today, an article called Saga launches social website for over-50s, Paul Green, a Saga spokesperson said that, “Thirteen thousand is just a drop in the ocean - in theory the membership is practically limitless. Social networking isn't going to be for everyone, but the feedback so far has knocked our socks off." The possibilities are endless and with innovative ideas, the benefits to older internet users are remarkable.

Another networking site, launched recently by the founders of Monster.com, called Eons.com, has taken the networking phenomenon to another level, offering interactive brain strength games, news on the latest hobbies, and tips to live longer.
Focussing on the idea of brain strength games, I think we underestimate the constant need to learn and given the chance, most of us would jump at being able to extend our skills.

For example: A conversation came up in the office yesterday about one of my colleagues parent’s taking French lessons and how hard it was to find a suitable school or college in the area to cater to her particular skill level. This particular parent has internet access and the thought of being able to take lessons in the comfort of their own home, without the pressures of other students around them, seemed like the obvious answer.

To me, this is where social networking sites could really excel, especially when they are designed for the over-50s market; by incorporating learning modules into their format, either produced by outside eLearning specialists or by the users themselves – share the wealth!

Shift Happens

After reading Terri's blog, I wanted to find out more information about how many people were actually involved in this online 'community' phenomenon, fueled by the likes of Facebook, MySpace, and Bebo. In amongst the multitudes of personal sites, blogs, and forums that have spawned, I stumbled across a little gem. Created by Karl Fisch under the title, "Did you Know?," and more recently redone as a YouTube slideshow by Scott McLeod, called "Shift Happens," this plethora of information should overwhelm you, as it did me.

"Shift Happens" touches on some of the most talked about subjects of our generation. As you read this blog, you are participating in the fastest growing form of communication in the world - within the next day you will be likely to: write an email, converse through an Online Messenger, update your personal community site, and search Google.
The way that we are embracing technology is unbelievable and the scariest part is, we have no idea what we will be able to achieve in a couple of years. Bring it on!

Addicted to 'The Space'

It seems that the days of people using pen and paper to communicate are completely finished. With a vast amount of jobs requiring a PC, more and more people are becoming computer literate. They are now using the machines for all sorts, including to keep in contact with people. E-mail has been around for a long time now and was once the popular form of reaching somebody via the net. However, in the recent years there have been several ‘community’ sites launched which appear to be overtaking this type of messaging.

I personally have been drawn into the new phenomenon that is ‘Facebook’. Checking my personal messages, who’s written on my wall and updating my ‘status’ has become as normal to me as brushing my teeth in the morning. There is not a day goes by where I don’t turn up to work early to log into the site. It’s fast, easy and is the simplest, way that I know of, to keep in contact with everyone.

So what is it that has led us to this way of non-personal and quite lazy form of communication? It appears to me that everyone is now too busy with work and social lives to make time for a phone call, or even a visit to family and friends. Therefore, this medium is a fast and effective way of keeping in touch and up to date with what is going on in people’s lives. Arguably, it’s not the best way to keep in touch but it is definitely something I will be addicted to for a long time yet!