A new AARP/Microsoft study finds that most Americans think social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are boosting communication within families - and bridging the generation gap.
The study polled more than 2,000 Americans in two demographics: 13- to 25-year-olds and 39- to 75-year-olds.
A majority of those surveyed (83 percent), including at least eight in 10 in each age group, considers going online to be a “helpful” form of communication among family members, and more than one-fourth reported that communicating online with family members helps them better understand older or younger family members
Teenage respondents said the computer increases both the quantity and quality of their communication with family members living far away. Those age 39+ agreed.
Just over two thirds of people said the main reason they use social networking sites is to keep in contact with family members they don’t regularly see. Social media also facilitate virtual interactions among relatives who do see one another on a regular basis.
While nearly all respondents (98 percent) across all age groups report feeling “at ease” going online, some respondents have reservations about doing so. A majority (56 percent) of all respondents is extremely or very concerned about staying safe and secure online.
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