If I were creating a “How to” book on Facebook for 40-60 year olds I would first describe it as an online social network where a person can meet new people or stay in contact with current friends. You can do this by creating a profile with information and pictures of yourself. Other people can find you or you can find them. They can send you messages or you can chat with them on Facebook. I would suggest that they use Facebook to find other people in their area that they may have things in common with. I think that most 40-60 year olds probably do not have many opportunities for socializing outside of their family or jobs. Therefore, they can use this network as a means of socializing. I would also explain that if they wanted to create a group or promote an event that they knew was occurring they could do that also.
In terms of training, I would begin by teaching them the most important things first, like how to sign on and filling out the basic information on a profile page. I would show them how to add pictures and personalize their profile the way they want. Then I would teach them how to find and add people as friends. After that it would be important for them to know how to send messages, chat with other people on facebook, and create groups and event pages.
The technological frames that can help people of this age range identify with Facebook is the use of email and basic knowledge of using a computer. For example, if they know how to use email then they know the concept of having an account with a user name and password. They also understand the concept of being able to message with people back and forth because it is basically what is happening when corresponding with people through email. Basic knowledge of the computer will help them when they have to search for certain people or if they want to create a basic event or group page. The ability to expand your social network is a great return on the time investment that they will probably be exerting. For the time that you put in updating your page and becoming part of groups, you can gain friends that are not only from your area, but maybe in other states or countries. It is also a great way to learn more about technology and have a social life that does not always require you to leave the house.
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I like how you're thinking, but you might want to be careful about generalizing that age group. I find that 40-60 year olds are a very social group, despite their busy work and family lives. A lot of them are "empty nesters" whose children are either off at college or becoming more independent. Some might be approaching retirement and might be trying to start new hobbies. As a result, I might suggest Facebook as a way to either a) find new clubs or groups that meet face to face but advertise on Facebook or b) create better cohesion in a face to face group that they're already members of by being able to post meeting times, etc, online.
ReplyDeleteWhy would we want someone to use a Facebook message vs. e-mail? I like the explanation of the frame, but if I was arguing against the use of Facebook, I would point out that e-mail is more versatile and easy to use as well.
ReplyDeleteI do like how you're thinking about using Facebook to discover new opportunities and friendships, but I believe you need to address more how it's even useful for the more casual user. Looking into Grudin's arguments and perhaps even how we use Facebook can give some incite. Great job!