A huge number of Americans in their 60s and 70s are still regular Facebook users. They’ll open the app every single day, and quite a few of them will check in more than once to get the news or find out more about what’s happening with their friends. But why? Why do so many boomers still use Facebook? And what could you be missing out on by ignoring it? Let’s find out.
Boomers’ actual Facebook habits
Surveys show that Facebook is one of the most popular platforms among those aged between 50 and 64 in the United States. In fact, they have some of the highest participation rates of any age group on the platform. Facebook remains one of the few apps where a majority of every age range still has an account. Boomers are the ones who use it the most consistently.
Quite a lot of boomers check the app without even thinking about it, and it’s just like checking the weather or looking at the mail for them. That’s not to say that they have thousands of friends on there. But they are active. Boomers will scroll and comment on the app more than most generations do. The joke that nobody uses Facebook anymore doesn’t really apply to boomers.
Why boomers say they’re there
So why do they continue using Facebook? It’s down to a few practical reasons. This generation likes knowing what their grown kids are up to by checking Facebook. They enjoy finding out about how their old friends from school or church are doing. They don’t necessarily comment on every post. However, boomers enjoy knowing what’s happening in other people’s lives.
The majority of boomers spend their time on the platform talking with relatives or leaving short comments on a friend’s page. They might simply keep an eye on the photos on there, too. It’s something that even those with smaller friend circles do, and they’ll check their feed more than once a day.
Local groups, churches, clubs, and neighborhood news
Another important aspect of Facebook is how it helps to build a sense of community. Churches post their service times there, and volunteer groups publish reminders. There are also many neighborhood associations that share information about lost pets and parking updates. Don’t forget about hobby groups that organize events and answer questions.
All of these details are on Facebook Groups, which older adults use more often than younger people. These groups run practically everything through posts and comments. As such, the people who aren’t on Facebook never see any of that happening unless someone forwards it.
It’s much easier for boomers to use the app to get local news than to constantly check their email or deal with going to a separate website. Everything is right there on their feed instead.
How boomers tune into breaking stories on Facebook
Let’s not forget about the wider news. Many boomers like going on Facebook to learn about world events, which they can do while scrolling through photos or checking who posted a birthday message. News organizations post their updates straight to Facebook pages. As soon as major news breaks, it usually appears in boomers’ feeds before they look for it elsewhere.
Quite a few boomers see more global headlines on Facebook than they might expect, mostly because people in their circles share articles from all kinds of outlets. It’s completely normal for people in their 60s or 70s to follow a few international news pages. They might not always be looking for global news on purpose. But it still appears on their feeds regularly.
Stability over time
It’s relatively common for younger users to jump between social platforms all the time. But not for boomers. They’re more likely to stick with the same app once they get comfortable with it, especially when it’s something as routine as Facebook. They’ll keep using it for years.
Can you blame them? The app is familiar to them, and it’s where their loved ones connect. It’s the place where they can get all sorts of information, whether that’s recipes or reunion plans. It doesn’t take much effort. They stay with the thing that works, and for boomers, Facebook still works.
What you’re missing
What exactly are you missing out on by not using Facebook? Clearly, quite a lot. A large part of Facebook’s design is built around seeing people you used to know, and then reconnecting with them. You could be missing out on these connections by not using Facebook. It’s a lot harder to find older friends on platforms like TikTok or even Instagram.
Facebook also has groups that don’t exist anywhere else on the internet. At least, they don’t exist in the same form. Many of the members in Facebook Groups are boomers sharing day-to-day situations or advice. You won’t be able to see any of that if you’re not on Facebook. You could be missing out on important news or updates about your local community.