Yes, my grandma is on Facebook

On a typical day, I log onto Facebook to find friend requests from old high school and college friends, people I meet after networking events, colleagues and clients. But recently, I was caught off guard after logging in and seeing a friend request from my… grandma?!?

At first, I was surprised by the request. My grandma, at 72 years old, was on Facebook? But, that feeling quickly changed after realizing that this was my grandma’s way (who lives eight hours away) of keeping in touch with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins through photos, status updates, and real-time interaction.  

Obviously, Facebook is not just for college and high school students anymore. In a study recently completed by istrategylabs, the fastest growing demographic on Facebook is 35-54 year-olds. This demo has not only continued to grow the fastest, but has grown at a rate of 276% from June 2008 through January 2009. The 55 and older demographic is not far behind, growing at a rate of 194%.

People, young and old are finding Facebook valuable to grow their social networks as much as their personal networks. They are looking to become part of a community where they can gather together to support a cause or become a ‘fan’ of a local restaurant or business. In a down economy, people are using their networks of “friends” to help seek out leads to their next job and stay connected.

In February 2009, Facebook turned five years old. Happy Birthday Facebook! You have come a long way in helping connect the more than 150 million people around the world. And as for Grandma, I think she chose the perfect profile picture. She doesn’t look a day older than 25.

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