In a new report on Reputation Management and Social Media from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, research has shown a definite age gap. At first you might be tempted to think that it’s because young people are more savvy about computers and what can happen with internet speed, which is partly true, but the real world also seems to have forced them to become responsible online as well.
The study found that people between 18 and 29 were more likely to:
- use and update the privacy settings on their profiles
- delete comments from others that appear on their profiles
- remove photo tags with their names so others wouldn’t identify them
While Mary Madden, the Pew study’s lead author, agrees that young people are more experienced in dealing with the finer points of social networking, she also points out that they’re looking for work in an increasingly competitive market and just starting to develop a name, (or perhaps more accurately, a brand identity), for themselves. Older people are more established and can worry a little less about such things.
The study found that:
25% of online adults have employers with policies about how they portray themselves online.
4% have had bad experiences when embarrassing or inaccurate information was posted about them online.
8% have asked someone to take down photos, videos or other information posted online about them. Most were successful.
Other ways the real world intrudes:
31% have done online searches about co-workers, professional colleagues or business competitors.
16% of all internet users have looked online for information about someone they were dating or in a relationship with. Among those who use online dating sites, 34% go online to check up on their dates.
Tags: Internet Speed, Social Networking