5 Reasons Teens LOVE Facebook

Posted in Social Networking

We all know Facebook is fantastically popular.  Some 85% of teens use social networks and they spending an average of 11.4 hours per week on these site. 

But if you’re not a regular user, you’re probably wondering what the attraction is…?  Many of my friends not on Facebook  struggle to understand the “pull” and why teens need to be constantly checking their Facebook page.  After checking in with the teenagers I know, here are their top 5 reasons. 

1  Personalise 

Remember how you used to plaster your bedroom door with the bands you liked, the celebrities you loved?  Well in 2010, teens now have a digital bedroom wall that can be personalised with photos, videos, songs, and books to name a few.  For teens this is about crafting their identity, defining their individuality and expressing themselves.  Nowadays having a Facebook account to personalise is almost a rite of passage.

 2  Socialise 

Facebook is a place for teens to hang out, to socialise.  Everyone they know is there. And remember, teen life is all about friends, parties and relationships so staying connected on Facebook keeps them up to date with all of this. 

 Facebook also makes it possible to socialise with a much wider network of friends. Some friends they may only have a loose connection to, but Facebook allows them to remain in contact via visiting their Facebook page. 

3  Communicate

Teens don’t email.  They send messages via Facebook.  Instead of calling or emailing, they communicate via Facebook, because they know everyone checks their Facebook page. Parties and events for larger groups are also coordinated entirely via Facebook, so it’s used for both one on one and mass communication.

 4  Connect 

Facebook allows teens to connect more regularly with family members or friends they don’t see on a day to day basis.  It brings them closer as they can share what they are up to, post interesting links/photos and generally hang out.

 5  Share 

Sharing photos is one of the most popular areas for teens to use within Facebook.  Of course this has got many a teen into a little bit of hot water as they learn what is appropriate to share, but photos are a way to help personalise the page and show everyone the fun you are having! 

Roll all of the above together and you get a cool, FUN application.  Teens can play games, join groups, personalise their profile with different applications, or do quizzes to compare likes/dislikes.  When all your friends are doing this, it’s a great place to hang out. Everyone likes to be up to date with the latest information, so being constantly connected is very important.

 Facebook Fatigue 

Recently in the media there has been some talk of Facebook fatigue.  Whilst Facebook is still the number one social network with teens, in the last six months its grip has started to loosen.  Girls are “tired of trying to keep up with all the activity” required of leading a demanding digital social life whilst boys seem to have migrated to other sites, possibly gaming or more “interest” driven.  Of course, having parents connected to the same social network does take away some of the cool factor.  Other factors linked to Facebook burnout include it having too many ads, too many notifications and privacy issues (which is another post entirely!) 

The bottom line is teens today lead a very connected, social life.   The hub is digital and it’s not about to change.  Its time to get in there and join them !

Image credit: Franco Bouly Flickr