Parents and Social Media

M. Duggan, A. Lenhart. (July 2015) Parents and Social Media, Pew Research Center, Retrieved October 2015 from http://www.pewinternet.org/files/2015/07/Parents-and-Social-Media-FIN-DRAFT-071515.pdf

After looking into how teens use Social Media I wanted to read about how parents use social media.  It seems that parents and non parents have some differences. 

Facebook - Parents are more likely to use Facebook and they use it to share/respond to  good and bad news, and support.   It seems that more moms and younger parents use it the most frequently.     I also found it interesting that out of parents 1/3 of their friends are actual friends versus 1/4 for non-parents.   Most parents over 40 are likely to be friends with their children on Facebook.  This makes sense to me since there is an age requirement to have a Facebook account.  Lots of parents are more likely to be friends with their own parents and neighbors.  I find this to be true, I am friends with my parents and family so that I can post pictures of the kids and keep them abreast of what is happening in our lives. 

Instagram –Posting by more non parents .  I follow my son on Instagram, not that he post much anymore since they have moved onto other things. 

Pinterest – Moms are more likely to use than Dads.  This makes sense to me since Pinterest has many things that interest Mothers/females than a male.  

Twitter – Parents and Non Parents are equally likely to use.

Linkedin-More parents than non parents are likely to use Linkedin.   I have never used Linkedin but have had some request from people.  I just don’t have time.

   

Parents also use social media as a source for parenting advice and information. 

1 out of 3 parents expressed concern about their child’s social media and technology use. 

Some parents have felt uncomfortable with what has been posted about their child.  A few have requested that content be removed. 

In the report the findings found that out of parents Facebook topped the list with Pinterest 2^nd, Linkedin 3^rd, Instagram 4^th and Twitter 5^th.  There was a significant difference between Mothers and Fathers on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram with Mother’s using them more.  Twitter and Linkedin were very close. 

I'm not really shocked by the findings in this report.  I use all of the social media with Linkedin being the exception.  My top 2 are the same as the ones they listed.  

  

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