The Pew Research Center released results from their latest survey of teens and young adults about their Internet, social media, and mobile phone usage.
The study reveals a big shifts in the percentage of teens, young adults, and older adults who blog:
- 14% of online teens now blog, down from 28% in 2006
- 15% of young adults (18-29) now blog, down from 24% in 2007
- 11% of adults over the age of 29 now blog, up from 7%
The drop in blogging among teens and young adults coincides with the rise in social networking. 73% of online teens use social networks, up from 55% in 2006.
The report goes on to say:
As the tools and technology embedded in social networking sites change, and use of the sites continues to grow, youth may be exchanging ‘macro-blogging’ for microblogging with status updates.
That makes sense to me. Back in 2006, most teens who were blogging were doing so as a way of sharing their thoughts and lives with their friends. Social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook are better suited for that purpose
In the last 4 years blogging has matured, and more than just demographically.
Blogs have become more focused and more purposeful. Few people blog just to say what’s on their mind. Most people who blog do it because they’re passionate about a specific cause or field and want to teach, discuss, build community, and accomplish something in that area.
How have you seen blogs change over the last 4 years?
Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.
3 Comments
I would say that this would extend beyond teens. And I think we should even consider how we use blogs for ministry. If we are using them as a way to let people know what's going on with the ministry, maybe a Facebook fan page or Twitter updates would as well.
Dave, I agree it extends beyond teens. And regarding the use of blogs, Facebook, & Twitter in ministry, I'm about to start a little experiment with that. I'm pretty psyched about it and will blog about it some time soon..
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