Facebook's Median Age Rises to 40 as Gender Disparities Persist Across Social Media
A recent study, edited by Michael Kosinski and David Stillwell, reveals shifts in the median age of Facebook users and gender disparities across various social media platforms. Facebook, once dominated by younger users, has seen its median age rise significantly. In 2009, the average Facebook user was 29, but a decade later, that figure has climbed to 40. This increase mirrors a broader trend of older adults joining social media. Gender disparities are evident across platforms. Men outnumber women on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube, while women are the majority on Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest. Millennials, however, dominate Instagram (70%) and Twitter (61%). The median ages of other social sites are: LinkedIn (44), Google+ (42), Pinterest (38), YouTube (38), Twitter (32), and Instagram (30). Educational attainment and income also vary by platform. Two-thirds of LinkedIn users have graduated college, with a median household income of $112,500. Pinterest users rank second in education level, with 41% having graduated college. The study underscores the evolving demographics of social media. Facebook's aging user base and gender disparities across platforms highlight the need for tailored content and strategies to engage diverse audiences.
