Social networks have been estimated as an absolutely important technological revolution , and have been installed in the lives of all human beings for many years. But, today, the boom has increased significantly.
Thanks to the wide variety of social media platforms that exist today, they can be sectioned for various uses. Whether on a personal, business, commercial, professional level , etc. But, despite the importance of each of these sectors, without a doubt the personal use of social networks is the most notable.
These platforms are visited by various people ranging from the youngest, to the most adult; where everyone entertains. However, there are various advantages and disadvantages in terms of personal use of social networks , which is valuable to take into account and then we present them to you.
Index:
What are the most used social networks according to age?
In view of the fact that social networks allow all users to communicate more simply, exchange information quickly, carry out common activities and many other things that ensure entertainment, these platforms are a true transformative movement Therefore, for most it has become a way of life and of course, they have managed to change the daily habits and behavior of all people.
At present, it is completely strange that some person (regardless of their age), does not have a profile of private use in any social network. Therefore, there are approximately 2 billion users who have a presence on a platform of this type , worldwide. Especially, because of the great diversity that exists and that fits all tastes and requirements.
In this way, both adult generations, as well as millennials (generation Y), centenialls (generation Z) and the smallest, have a presence in one or several social networks and almost with total equality, each of These people are increasingly interested in entering the digital world .
But, since there are several platforms and they all have different content, it is relevant to know the most used social networks today, according to age ranges :
For users between 12 and 18 years (Generation Z )
Without a doubt, these are the youngest of all age ranges present in social networks. Which, in general, choose to make use of Instagram , since they are lovers of sharing all kinds of photographs, audiovisual content and of course, to show off to get more followers.
>
Also, being a platform that works together with “ Instagram Stories “, allows them to follow their favorite celebrities and always be connected with their day to day. Also taking into account that, they are motivated by the various effects offered by such stories, since this usually attracts more attention.
In addition to that, young people between 12 and 18 years of age are fans of the social network, YouTube . Since, usually, they make use of this platform in television mode to enjoy diverse content that is fashionable and of course, to listen to music of any genre that interests them , by having a great variety.
For users between the ages of 18 and 30 ( Millennials)
Next, we find the famous millennials who commonly prefer to share and view all kinds of content (photos, videos, states, follow pages, etc.) on Facebook . Being a platform, with which many of these users were released in the great world of social networks, for how dynamic and complete it is, since its inception and that, in addition, allows them to stay updated with what happens in the world.
Now, after Facebook, millennials prefer to use Twitter . Because, it is a social network where you can know all kinds of current news and always be aware of what happens.
On the other hand, these users also remain active on Instagram , thanks to the remarkable power that social media platform has taken. Thus, a means that they use to publish photos, states and of course, to follow the celebrities that most attract their attention.
However, thanks to the diversity offered by YouTube , this social network is also widely managed by people between 18 and 30 years old, as is Spotify to listen to music anywhere.
For adults between 30 and 55 years old
In view of the fact that social networks have not forgiven anyone, users between 30 and 55 years also exhibit a large participation in these platforms day by day. Thus, they choose to use Facebook and Twitter , in most cases. Since, they are more dynamic social networks and that release much more news than other options, in addition to having a diversity of content.
Also, it shows a great presence of these users in social networks like LinkedIn , although it seems unimaginable. Well, they take advantage of this platform to be connected to their work contacts, because it is a more professional solution than those mentioned above.
Comparative graphic in the use of social networks: Generation Z vs Millenials
Users over 65 also have a presence in networks social
In general, the use of social networks is not related to the elderly. However, according to published studies, today there are more than 40 million users over 65 years old , who use these platforms around the world.
In this sense, these users prefer to use and manage social networks such as Facebook and Twitter , because they are the ones that allow them to be connected with their family members, especially with their children and grandchildren. They also use them to be aware of current news and above all, access them quickly and easily.
Infographic: Graphical use of social networks by age
What are the advantages of social networks on a personal level?
As we mentioned at the beginning of the post, it is important to know the main advantages that social networks offer in terms of personal use , for users of any age range. That is why, below, we present you the most important benefits of this today:
Real-time information and entertainment
One of the main reasons why people decide to access their account in a certain social network, is to always stay informed and also to get out of the daily routine . Therefore, one of the most important advantages of using these platforms on a personal level is to have information and entertainment in real time. Taking into account that, you can select which media or celebrities to follow, regardless of their location worldwide.
Instant communication with whoever you want
It is no secret to anyone that one of the most significant purposes of social networks is to offer the possibility to all users to communicate and interact with each other with total simplicity . Because of this, you can establish conversations instantly with other users, whether family, friends, acquaintances or people to meet and share new moments through this medium.
Notable exchange of skills
Thanks to the fact that social networks are available in all countries of the world, there are practically users of different nationalities, with different tastes and unique competences. For this reason, they are platforms that offer the possibility of learning new languages, to the extent that you communicate with users from other countries. Like, you can interact with people who teach you a new trade , share different hobbies than yours and in this way, you can learn new things constantly.
>
Power of activism and / or social complaint
While it is true, social media publications are powerful and thanks to this, they facilitate the emergence of various situations that, in many media, can go unnoticed. This, cooperates in favor of the collective complaint , in order to carry out campaigns and in that way, end crimes, situations where inequality, corruption, etc. are evidenced. In addition, they also allow to carry out solidarity work , such as helping people who need it most and even abandoned animals.
Greater job opportunities
Today, many companies investigate personal profiles on some social networks, in order to study their potential candidates better and learn a little more about them. Therefore, if you carefully manage your accounts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn , for example, you may have more job opportunities . Being this, an excellent letter of introduction at present that, without a doubt, you should take advantage of.
Proximity to informational virtual groups
In most social platforms, there are virtual groups that are responsible for providing knowledge and information ideal for training activities and thus, have the greatest availability to answer your questions at any time. Which is evidenced mostly in university groups and groups created by specialists in certain disciplines.
Meet new people every day
This can be considered a great advantage. Given that, meeting new people, it is very possible that you exchange different ways of thinking and also about customs . Thanks to this, it is possible to break down barriers at a physical, cultural and even religious level. Even, many times social networks allow you to meet the love of your life or make excellent friends.
What are the dangers and disadvantages of using social networks a personal level?
Even though there are so many advantages when using social networks in a personal way, there are also latent dangers and disadvantages that must be taken into account whenever you access your profiles. Therefore, we want to introduce you below, the biggest cons that exist when using social networks on a personal level :
Identity impersonations
This is a model of computer abuse that is based on making use of a type of social engineer with which attempts to obtain confidential information from any Internet user without their consent , that is, fraudulently Unfortunately, this is achieved a lot in social networks and does not even depend on the use of each person, because all users have the same risk around this problem. If you are a victim of it, it is best to report immediately.
Lack of privacy
Since they are platforms where you publish all kinds of content, be they photographs and videos, you also have personal conversations and reveal personal data, it is very likely that your privacy is not maintained at all And this can sometimes be dangerous if users with bad intentions observe you. Especially, when you use the well-known geolocation .
Indeed, it is important that you review the privacy settings of all the social networks you manage, before you start uploading such content. And similarly, you should always be careful about everything you publish and show to others .
Be a victim of cyberbullying and grooming
One of the greatest dangers in both social networks and the Internet in general, is cyberbullying or cyberbullying and grooming . Being two great phenomena that mainly stalk children and young minors , and have even ended the lives of many innocents.
Basically, cyberbullying consists of humiliating a person using cruel messages, with lots of insults and even threats that sow fear in these users. For its part, grooming is a tactic that pedophiles use to make very close friends with young people, in order to obtain erotic photos or videos.
Given these two threats present in social networks that, mostly, affect the children of the house, it is important that you keep your children informed about it, so that avoid any contact with strangers and Of course, you should be aware of everything they do in their social profiles constantly. Even older people can also be victims of it .
Scams
As today, many companies that operate virtually on social networks are seen, it is very possible that some of these profiles are simple scammers in search of your bank details or with the aim of get some payment from you . Thus, a tactic that has increased significantly on these platforms and therefore, it is very important that you do not reveal any such information in a virtual way or make payments. Unless they are verified profiles on Facebook, Instagram , etc.
Development of diction to social networks
In general, social networks are used in leisure time and in order to entertain and leave the routine, but this can be transformed into an aspect against, many times. Since, despite their advantages, they are platforms that support the loss of time and with that, develop a remarkable addiction to social networks in users That many times, it can be dangerous. Especially, in young people who want to always stay connected to optimize the image they reflect on social networks.
In this case, it is valuable to control the habits of these young people and determine an opportune time for them to remain in their social profiles. To do this, prevent them from wasting more time than indicated and that way, they can develop a great addiction.
Get and handle false information
Given that there is no control of social networks at the time of publishing any event or news, it is common to find false headlines that, unfortunately, have become viral worldwide on several occasions . Because of this, people can estimate something that is not really happening and spread the word, which is not timely because it can cause serious rumors and false expectations in users .
A great decrease in personal contact
Due to the great importance that people give to social networks, they often forget the outside world. Since, as they are media that you can access wherever you want just by using a mobile or Tablet, you can lose or decrease the social skills that characterize the human being . That is, you stop interacting with those around you, you are no longer interested in sharing a chat with a family member or friend, you can hardly enjoy a special moment, etc.