As marketers in the social media world, we often hear how we don’t know what “the next Facebook” will be.  The funny thing is, we say this phrase like it is a certainty.  We have become used to seeing social networks or platforms pop up and be successful – only to dwindle and be replaced by a stronger social superpower.  Myspace has turned from the social network giant to a niche entertainment portal in a short amount of time.  With all of the technology and talent out there today, it’s natural for us to assume massive sites like Facebook and Twitter will follow in the Newscorp property’s footsteps.  In presentations we all deliver and hear, we find ourselves reverting back to the idea that Facebook is on top today, but something else will clearly pop up in a year or two to take its place.  After reading the immense amount of news over the past year or so, I’m ready to refute that statement.

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Earlier today, Mashable.com posted a stats-heavy article regarding news consumption by Americans based on findings from a recent Pew Internet research study.  The numbers from this article back up claims and predictions from analysts saying the internet is still becoming more of a player in the news consumption game.  While still trailing television consumption (78% of those polled), primary online news consumption came it at 61% – well above that of radio and newspaper.  I actually found 61% to seem a bit low for the nature of this report.

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Over the past 5 years, there has been a steady increase in seniors’ use of online media. So, it is no surprise that as of November 2009 there were about 17.5 million active persons 65+ using the Internet, which accounts for the 55% growth from November 2004.

A new report released by Nielsen suggests that not only are seniors Googling and engaging in their “normal” habits, but more revealing is that they are adapting to the mainstream social media networks. Facebook was ranked as the number three site visited by people 65+ on the Top 10 Online Destinations list. This is a big shock, considering that just a year ago Facebook came in at #45.

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