Based on the findings of Orlikowski’s 1992 study, mental models play a large role in users’ capacity to adapt to and effectively use a new technology. As older users first trying out Facebook, many will have no similar, suitable mental model to approximate how Facebook should be used. Due to a lack of know-how and savvy, they will most likely skip over many of the unique affordances of the medium, which will cheapen the experience.
A user’s guide to Facebook aimed at the older generation would have to take into account their lack of familiarity with technology and detail the many things Facebook can help them achieve in an easy-to-understand way. There may also be value to giving them examples of technologies and objects they are familiar with which Facebook is similar to (a yearbook, email, an online photo album).
In my opinion, the best way to achieve this would be similar to a cell phone manual. It should begin with an overview of critical pages of Facebook, such as the homepage, and explain what each section and button leads to. After this overview, it should break down into sections, which make clear how each feature can be used and the rewards for using them.
For example, the section on viewing someone’s profile should point out the significant portions, such as the wall, the profile picture, the information section, and the photos. Each of these subsections should contain simple and detailed instructions, and make clear what the user stands to gain from viewing and using each of these parts of the profile.
Two important features of Facebook that should be highlighted are the photos section and the applications. The interactive and familiar games on Facebook – like Scrabble, Connect 4 and Tetris – add a unique element to interaction with friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Since people love to share pictures of their families and their lives, familiarizing older users with the photos section will quickly convince them that Facebook has unique conveniences to offer them.
It is also worth noting that the main draw for younger users – the convenience of contacting someone via the wall – may not be as attractive to older users who are more sensitive about their privacy. For this reason, the private message feature should be emphasized as an alternative.
More than merely emphasizing Facebook's affordances, I believe the most important thing would be the tone of the guide. It must be kept simple, yet engaging, because no matter how many opportunities Facebook provides to enrich the communication experience, if the manual is not appealing, users will almost most certainly not even give it a try.
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You mention that the Facebook manual should be written like a cell phone manual and emphasize that the functional features should be explained in great detail, such as buttons and menus. Do you feel that maybe a more holistic approach could work better? For example, have a list of "things you might want to do with your Facebook," that could make more sense to the goals of the user?
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