It is a common misconception that social networking technologies are a young mans game. I know that in the short time that I have been studying this phenomenon I have been struck by the range of ages I have seen on different profiles. The work that I am conducting at the moment involves gathering a large amount of data from Myspace. At present the oldest the age I have came across is in the sixties and the rest of the information on that particular page 'fits the profile'. Thus, avoiding the mundane criticism that you can never know anybodies true age in Myspace. I think there are some overwhelming advantages of social networking for an older generation (e.g. physical difficulties). This could definitely benefit well being and quality of life.
It reminds me of a television programme I saw recently following 'The Zimmers': Here an enthusiastic group of elderly people united to cover The Who's 'My Generation'. It was a fantastic success and I remember being struck by the isolation of one lady in particular named Winnie (a 99 year old who confessed to not having left her flat in three years). This begs the question, does social networking technology have the ability to reach these people? I definitely feel that it does. The beauty of the web 2.0 generation is the simplicity of the websites. I think with a small amount of help social networking could dramatically increase in the older age categories.
Although, yes, Myspace is used predominantly by younger people, I feel it could be a wonderful resource for the older generations. What stories would be exchanged online? How would someone slightly older like a profile to look? All fantastic questions that I hope become part of understanding social networking as a whole.
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