Flora Zhu's Blog

Turning on my computer/iphone/ipad/electronic device, one of the first websites I check is Facebook. Over 1.5 billion users, growing at a rate of 23% since March, 2012, Facebook is huge (source: Facebook). Now imagine my surprise to hear a 13 year old claim that none of her friends use Facebook.  With 699 million people logging onto Facebook on a daily basis, it seems to be a extremely desirable and efficient media outlet and a prime place for marketers to target consumers (source : Facebook)

In response to a post by a 13 year old middle school student in New York on Mashables, it appears that Facebook is starting to lose its popularity with the younger generation. “Part of the reason Facebook is losing my generation’s attention is the fact that there are other networks now.” (source: Mashables) By the time the youth are allowed to use Facebook, they no longer desire it. Partially the reason is because many of their friends are no longer on Facebook, “Facebook was just this thing all [their] parents seemed to have” and is no longer trending. Facebook has increased cyber bullying, and has become a “huge marketing mouthpiece.” Facebook has become too complicated and are “trying too hard”, resulting them to lose popularity with the younger generation.  However, counter argument by Adora a 15 year old claims that none of her friends don’t have a Facebook account  (source: Mashables). Facebook has become  reliable source for school project groups to communicate, plan events, learn about concerts, receive discounts and contact long lost friends.

As an avid Facebook user, personally I feel that Facebook is still popular within my circle of friends. It is a effective promotion method and contains an abundance of informations regarding businesses and events. Facebook is also useful on a personal level when it comes to forming group projects and scheduling meeting times.