How Do You Use Social Media? Looks Like It Depends On Your Generation

Like it or not, social media has become a popular and necessary part of our entire existence. No matter which generation you are: Gen Z, Millennials, Generation X or Baby Boomers, a good majority are using some type of social media. However, there is most definitely a generational difference on how we use each platform.

Gen Z:

Their most popular social media platforms are Youtube, Instagram and TikTok AND they use only 2-3 platforms a day. Facebook's popularity among this group has gone down significantly. It seems as if they're trying to be the cooler generation and to find different and younger ways to communicate online.

Millennials:

They use 5-6 social media platforms a week including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.  They are also using their mobile devices almost exclusively for social media.

Gen X: 

They use 5-6 social media platforms a week and are tech savvy. They're similar to millennials whereas they'll have accounts on each platform Facebook, Youtube, Instagram and Pinterest. They, much like each generation of people, are more visually stimulated and want pictures instead of words.

Baby Boomers: 

FACEBOOK IS KING! This generation will use Facebook as their #1 platform. They will also spend hours online before making a purchase and are the generation most apt to make a purchase online.

Overall, younger audiences are giving up on Facebook. Youtube is popular among all generations who prefer videos in shorter form (reels, TikTok and IG live). More than 80% of people regardless of generation are using social media daily. It's more so which generation uses which platform. So the bottom line is, if you are trying to appeal to specific generations, make sure you know who is looking at what and how. But regardless, communicating on any type of social media platform is a smart thing to do. But know your audience before deciding which platform to find them on.

8 Top Reasons Gen Zers and Millennials Despise Working with Boomers

A new study by news.au.com reveals the top reasons Gen Xers and Millennials despise working with boomers.

According the the survey, boomers make the younger generations nutso at the office.

Ah, the timeless battle of the generations: Millennials and Gen Zers, those tech-savvy, avocado-toast-loving youngsters versus Boomers, the seasoned veterans of the workplace.

First off, technology.  Come on, it's the 21st century! When a Boomer asks a Millennial for help with something as simple as attaching a file to an email or using a smartphone, it's hard not to let out an sigh. All they want is Boomers to embrace the wonders of technology!

And then there's the classic Boomer habit of telling younger people how things used to be.

When they're discussing a project or sharing ideas, it's frustrating when Boomers chime in with, "Back in my day, we didn't have fancy computers; we used typewriters!"

Let's not forget about the infamous Boomer work ethic.

While they admire their dedication, it can be overwhelming. Boomers have a tendency to put in long hours, making Gen Zers and Millennials feel guilty for leaving on time.

So, when Boomers shoot them that disapproving look as they pack up to go home, they can't help but roll their eyes.

Another source of annoyance is the Boomers' resistance to change. Millennials thrive on innovation and adaptability. They embrace new ideas and technologies with open arms. However, when they propose a new approach or suggest a digital solution, Boomers often respond with, "That's not how we've always done it."

The clash between Millennials and Boomers in the workplace can be a never-ending source of irritation. Whether it's their tech struggles, nostalgic anecdotes, workaholic tendencies, or resistance to change, Boomers have a knack for testing the young ones' patience.

But let's remember, every generation has its quirks. So, rather than letting these annoyances consume us, let's find common ground, bridge the generational gap, and create a more harmonious work environment.

"Boomers are far too liberal when using the reply-all button. Young people are much more personal with their approach to work and don’t like their business broadcasted to the entire company."

According the survey, one respondent said: "My qualm is how they ring your mobile with no regard for your calendar – like, I’m in meetings all day. You don’t get to skip the queue" and “The use of calls because ‘it’s easier to explain over the phone’. No, you are just too lazy to type it out, so now I have to dictate the request, and then there’s no paper trail. If there’s an error they can blame you.”

"Boomers tend to eat up your time with questions they could answer themselves via the internet," according to the survey. “Asking technology questions they could easily Google,” one person said.

"Georgia is sick of the outdated language that some are still spewing into office culture. “Passive-aggressive ‘loves’ or ‘darls,’” she explained was her main gripe."

"Lacey is more obsessed with the damage they are doing to the environment. “Why do they have to print everything?” she asked."

 "*Jess finds their obsession with promotions tedious. “They are just so power hungry,” she complained."

"Amy just can’t stand their need to make everything so official. “Why does everything have to be a formal meeting? They just love creating stale environments.”

"Rebecca just wants Boomers to stop obsessing over office presence. “So many of them believe we work better in the office and we just don’t!”"