Facebook Isn’t Fun Anymore
Why the younger generation is shying away from Facebook, and where they’re going
A recent study showed that not only are teens shying away from Facebook, but only 18% of users described it as “fun.” Pinterest, on the other hand, was considered to be a much more enjoyable experience, with 40% of teen users considering time spent on the site to be fun. And it’s clear that Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat are rising up the ranks with their status as the three most popular social media platforms for teens.
I feel dated writing this article, trying to understand “kids these days,” but I’m going to side with teens on this one, because I get it. Facebook really isn’t much fun. It’s just one more space to try and prove yourself, to release your greatest hits as evidence of success. It’s an exhausting upkeep of an online image, not to mention that it’s much less appealing when strangers and your creepy Uncle Peter keep trying to friend you.
But don’t get me wrong. Just like most, teens are still using social media as a barometer for their self worth, too. In true teen fashion, there is a developing culture on social media that is somewhat like a secret language. For instance, a user on Instagram will write TBH as either their location or a hashtag to announce that he or she will leave a comment starting with “to be honest” about each person who likes that picture. A quick search shows over 10 million TBH hashtags.
There’s something to be said about the appeal of the usability and simplicity of Instagram. But I don’t think that’s why teens flock to the service. Teens are mistrusting of Facebook. Only 9% described FB as safe or trustworthy. They’ve heard the horror stories of their older brother’s friend not getting the job because of a sloppy picture he posted online. They’ve heard over and over again from their parents to be smart online. What they hear is “maybe just stick to Snapchat for now.”
Snapchat is much more low key and low pressure. I’ve written before about the appeal of Snapchat, the idea being that users are essentially sending quick picture messages, but with an even lower barrier than texting or Instagram as to what’s socially acceptable to share. It’s a form of communication rather than a social network.
People crave a refreshing space and temporarily flock to Facebook alternatives like Ello. Even if they don’t seem to catch on, the need for a space with an with an edge and something special has been heard. Not only an edge, but I place where Uncle Peter isn’t.
The raw truth is that there are too many “grown ups” on Facebook. Pew Research center found that more than half of internet users aged 65 and above have signed up on Facebook. Because of this trend, teens are courted to places where they can have their own sharing platform free from the prying eyes of adults.
There’s no doubt this has increased social pressures for teens. Having a personal branding machine to cultivate a certain look at such an early age is something even 20-somethings can’t understand. We wore hooded sweatshirts and rocked Jansport backpacks with Adidas. We showed evidence of friendships and popularity by sitting at the right lunch table, joining the right clubs, and laughing in line at the right four square game. TBH, passing notes desk by desk is now the good old simple days.
