Gen Y Doesn't Like Blogs

Wait a minute, I'm confused.

Did I miss something? I thought Gen Y's claim to fame was a natural affinity for everything Web 2.0.

Yet, here we have the number one Gen Y booster in the world on the number one anti-Boomer site admitting that none of his friends are interested in his blog or any blog at all.

Comments

[Richard Becker]

Well, I think he might be writing from his own blog experience, which only seems to prove that they were not reading his blog. I don't mean that as an insult. All I'm saying is that having seen a lot of "young people" blogs that are very good and widely read, it's likely to be his content. Or maybe it's advice like: "say you're blogging from a young person's perspective" and spin what you are writing about.

If I was writing his blog, assuming he wants to attract young people, I'd cut those posts in half, and half again. Shorter posts work better among some target audiences and topics. That's half the fix. The rest is topic choice.

[karen m]

MHO it isn't so hard to believe - we may want to consider what this young man is saying.. On a personal note, having three young adult kids (19-22), male and female, have personally seen this to be true. Not only with my kids, but their friends as well.

The kids all have their own blogs on a few of the social groups, were active for a bit there, but as usual with the short attention span, the novelty wore off, and real life is more interesting. (To which I am greatful)

Having fun, hanging out with their friends, getting involved with real life is more appealing to the Young and Young at heart - rather than being cooped in the house or harnassed to a computer due to an obligation of maintaining a blog is more appealing to the kids.

Personally that is a Very good thing.. actually excellent if one thinks about it.. the kids want to have a life - be involved with life, experience it personally rather than write about it..

One thing I have been noting as well is that they are requesting more privacy - in fact they seem to have a respect of privacy more than the generation before them. Their parents seem to have come to "accept" that there is no rights to privacy, whilst the younger generation have not been as accepting.

There is so much to learn from these kids, we think of them as flakes, not caring too much about their future, and dependent on their parents, but if we take time to sit with them, it is surprising how much they really do care about current affairs, what is going on around them, and even about their future..

[Ryan Paugh]

I think you have to look outside the blogosphere to really understand what's happening in it. There are a lot of "young people" blogs, but compared to our population size, there aren't.

If it were possible, I'd suggest comparing the number of millennials on MySpace and/or Facebook with the number that are active in the blogging world. I guarantee a significant difference.

Even though we are tech-savvy, I think we're learning that Web 2.0 is just another helpful tool, like our i-Pod or our cell phone, not an obsession. Which is good right?

Blogging is great. But it really isn't a great way to communicate with millennials. Yet! We're working on it.

[Richard Becker]

"There are a lot of "young people" blogs, but compared to our population size, there aren't."

I never understood this argument, not from recruiters, nor Gen Y, nor anyone else. Just because not everyone chooses to blog doesn't mean it is not popular. Not everybody writes books. Does that mean books are not popular? Not everyone produces a CD. Does that mean the music is unpopular? Not everyone ... oh, take your pick. The measure is the number of publishers; it's the number of readers. And if you are in business, it's the number of qualified readers, people who might actually want your products or services.

So, by all means, keep working on it! Just watch your measures. :) Statistics will lie to you if you let them. Heck, even I know that my recent case study has seen some crazy numbers ... but that doesn't mean I'll retain every reader once that case study comes to a close. Sure, a few will stay on, but I'm not going to think for a minute that I'm a "power blogger" just because a few posts moved me 100,000 places on Alexa. Get it?

[Ryan Paugh]

You're right. Statistics will lie. I'm not big on them myself. Here's a more personal example of why I'm standing my ground:

I'd like to say I come from a fairly diverse group of friends. Out of this fairly large group and all the acquantances made in between, there's one, maybe two, who actively blog.

Also, in the creation of our blog we saw lots of attention from our friends during the first few weeks, then nothing. Maybe they just weren't interested, but I venture to think that they just weren't into the whole thing.

I think "natural affinity" for everything Web 2.0 is the wrong idea. We're just good with technology, doesn't mean we always like it. In the case of blogging, I think a lot of young people are too concerned with the relationships taking place in the real world to spend time blogging. Other, like myself, find it to be a good learning experience and I still manage plenty of real social interaction.

Sure, not everyone writes books, produces CDs, shoots movies, etc., but I wouldn't compare these mediums to blogging. Numbers hold some importance when you're talking about something that's free and anyone can take part in.

I really think the blogosphere is only seeing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my generation. Hopefully more will take interest, but trust me, it's not yet considered a widespread form of communication for us.

But like I said, we're working on it. We're no "power bloggers" and we don't claim to be, but we see the benefit and hope more young people will begin to see it too.

[Ryan Paugh]

You're right. Statistics will lie. I'm not big on them myself. Here's a more personal example of why I'm standing my ground:

I'd like to say I come from a fairly diverse group of friends. Out of this fairly large group and all the acquantances made in between, there's one, maybe two, who actively blog.

Also, in the creation of our blog we saw lots of attention from our friends during the first few weeks, then nothing. Maybe they just weren't interested, but I venture to think that they just weren't into the whole thing.

I think "natural affinity" for everything Web 2.0 is the wrong idea. We're just good with technology, doesn't mean we always like it. In the case of blogging, I think a lot of young people are too concerned with the relationships taking place in the real world to spend time blogging. Other, like myself, find it to be a good learning experience and I still manage plenty of real social interaction.

Sure, not everyone writes books, produces CDs, shoots movies, etc., but I wouldn't compare these mediums to blogging. Numbers hold some importance when you're talking about something that's free and anyone can take part in.

I really think the blogosphere is only seeing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my generation. Hopefully more will take interest, but trust me, it's not yet considered a widespread form of communication for us.

But like I said, we're working on it. We're no "power bloggers" and we don't claim to be, but we see the benefit and hope more young people will begin to see it too.

[laurence haughton]

Sometimes people don't come back to a restaurant because it wasn't very good.

[Ryan (Paugh)]

Ouch.

[Recruiting Animal]

99% of the billion blogs out there are dead. They were started by a teenager girl and then abandoned. The same goes for all those not started by teenage girls.

The reason? 1) blogging is work. 2) blogging takes time. 3) you have to like reading. 4) you have to like writing

[Recruiting Animal]

99% of the billion blogs out there are dead. They were started by a teenager girl and then abandoned. The same goes for all those not started by teenage girls.

The reason? 1) blogging is work. 2) blogging takes time. 3) you have to like reading. 4) you have to like writing

So what do we have here? Just more proof that Gen Y isn't so different from anyone else.

[Richard Becker]

"You're talking about something that's free and anyone can take part in."

I think Animal nailed the point perfectly, but please allow to drive it home Anyone can take part in it, but it's hardly free. Like most good communication, it takes time, passion, and persistence.

To pick up Larry's words, you can't have a successful restaurant until you've learned to boil the water. Most people can make a peanut butter sandwich, but it doesn't mean you'll have 100 people outside your door when you crack the jar lid.

Again Ryan, don't take me wrong, I'm glad you're working on it. Try thinning the bold statements that are hard to back up. A group of friends, no matter how diverse, is no measure. I would stats before I trust that. And I don't trust stats.

All my best,
Rich

[Ryan Paugh]

Totally agree and appreciate the criticism.

I don't expect everyone to start a blog, and really don't encourage it either. Because of what Animal says: most blogs are just dead.

If you don't have a blog, you can still be actively involved through commenting, guest writing, etc. And no matter what you say, I just don't see a tremendous involvment yet when we're talking about my generation.

I'm sure you all interact with millennials on a daily basis, but that's nothing compared to the experience I have w/ my own age group.

I know it's a bold statement, but I'm comfortable enough in my convictions to say it. Maybe I'm wrong, if anyone has done any research I'd love to hear it.

I make an awesome PB&J by the way!

[laurence haughton]

You'll never (and I really mean never) regret learning to write a blog post or comment. It may not deliver all that the hype promises but if you learn to write attention grabbing headlines (like Animal), punchy paragraphs that say a lot and flow smoothly (like Richard), and to argue your point while keeping others engaged (as you are doing here Ryan) you will reach your dream goals in business. (I'll tell you why another time if you are interested.)

That said, writing takes time and practice. IMHO, that's the main reason why a lot of any generation just won't do it.

[karen m]

Animal, you hit it on the NOSE with your comment re teenage girls. What interests me are the responses. Ryan, you are speaking the Language of my kids and their friends, and then to combine that with Animal’s posts, there is your answer. Those are the numbers that I see as Real.

Richard, I do respect much of what you are writing, but maybe you are missing something here.. The Majority of Young Adults have lives – beach parties, hanging out with their friends, work, school, fun – being on the move and on the go! My son and his friends are always doing something, and when I have asked them about their blogs, they have all said the same or similar – it got boring, it wasn’t fun anymore – they found themselves “missing out” with their friends. We had a discussion on Second Life, and I was amazed at how many of them thought that it was truly Bizarre! This is from Young Adults in their 20’s – My son turned 22 today, and his friends age range are 21-28 – which makes me wonder, what is the average age on Second Life

Take a look at many of the individuals who are blogging today on a consistent basis, look at what they may be doing for a living – is it computer related? Are they active in a social life? What are the age groups. More than Half of the Visitors on My Space is 35 and Over! The young adults are Declining whilst the older groups continue to balloon! - Now, we must also take in that those numbers may even be more skewered, as there are some adults who go onto some of the social networks and lie about their age for not so nice reasons.. NBC catch a predator comes to mind.

Sometimes I wonder if the kids have more of a grip on reality than we adults do. Blogging takes a lot of free time, and these kids don’t ever seem to have any. Ever tried getting hold of your kids nowadays? Actually I am grateful, (in regards to the Kids I know) at least they are experiencing life, rather than writing about it; at such a young age, and an informative age, it is best that they see first hand how to determine for themselves what life experiences is about!

Maybe the Novelty of the internet isn’t as big to them as it is to us, as they are considered the “internet generation” and they see it for what it is.. a tool for information and communication?

[karen m]

Sorry about the double post, but here is my take on this.. I see the blogging atmosphere more for the Family Man or Woman, with time on their hands, or Bored.. and isn't spending Enough quality time with their family

Teenage kids without a license - also a lot of time on their hands, or for individuals who are using it to promote something or the other..

Additional would be the young or older adult who is absolutely bored out of their minds, without much of a social life.

My 2 cents.. which I know by the way this probably can be interpreted, may come off a bit harsh..but it wasn't intended as such.

[Richard Becker]

Karen,

You know I'm a fan of every comment you make. :)

So, I totally hear what you are saying, but my point was that just because they aren't bloggers doesn't mean blogs aren't popular with them. On the contrary, kids today are much more likely to read a few favorite blogs or a couple netscape headlines when they are downloading iTunes, watching YouTube, or checking online game stats than they are to pick up a newspaper, read a magazine, or (grasp!) crack a book.

They don't have to blog to enjoy a few select blogs before hitting the beach ... unless they live down the street from me (lots of sand, but no beaches, darn!)

[Karen]

Richard.. thanks for the compliment.. and YES I did miss your point completely.. and Yes you do have a point as well.. but, my devil's advocate question would be -- You know I had to have one ;) - since they do have such a busy life, how much time do you think they will spend on the blogs? or on a particular site?

And, would there be specific blogs they go to, like friends blogs, or would they search out the info?..

Wonder if there is any stats on that.. even if they are misguided ;)

[Richard Becker]

Hi Karen,

I haven't seen any "no good" (ha!) stats on it, but it would be interesting. Friend blogs (if they are good) and searches for information, eg. what happened to Paris???, unless one blog/site catches their eye for some reason and they'll either bookmark or subscribe, based on level of interest. — Rich

[Karen]

Richard,
I came accross a great article that really hones in on this, and has some interesting research numbers - One of the quotes from it
Their embrace of new technology has made them uniquely aware of its advantages and disadvantages. They are more likely than older adults to say these cyber-tools make it easier for them to make new friends and help them to stay close to old friends and family. But more than eight-in-ten also acknowledge that these tools "make people lazier." A Portrait of "Generation Next"
How Young People View Their Lives, Futures and Politics
Released: January 9, 2007
http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=300

[Richard Becker]

This seems to fit what most people say; it's a well-written study, though the numbers really frighten me 579 people ages 18-25 of only 1,500 surveyed.

The 250 ages 18-25 who were interviewed are "cell phone only" users, which is gaining in popularity in the States, but I still find it surprising that none of them had land lines. So it would interesting to know if this groups mirrors the general public or not or if they accidently captured cell phone user profile.

I'm not always sure about the claims that new tools make people lazy. That was once said about television remotes. Maybe it did; maybe it did not. I like to think that it gave people more time not to be lazy ... you know, freed people from having to get up and click the dial (an activity that once stole 30 minutes a day, ha!)

I like it, though. It gives me a lot to think about. We've been noting some trends too related to online relationships that are interesting. The engagements between people tend to "feel" important, but if the "engagement" is broken, there is a much faster recovery time than seeing an in-person friend move away.

Ha! And to think I just passed on being a clinical psychologist ... only to do the same thing.

[Karen Mattonen]

Richard,
your comments caused me to think of some other things as well. Maybe we are not giving this generation as much credit as we should.

When I think of the push towards the internet and finding the Easier and softer way to recruit, we often forget the most important aspect of people -- Even though this Generation are Internet savvy, they are people like all of us, and like everyone else, we all like the human touch in our lives; Especially before making any important decisions that could affect our Standard of life.

Our Job is indeed the Most important thing in our life. People say our family - and though that is true, I could assure anyone, that if one were to lose your job, after a couple of years of a spouse coming home from a long day at work to find you watching Oprah on the Tube, or online in Chat Rooms, instead of getting new employment, there would not be much of a family life left.

I find it really amazing that Recruiters put so much emphasis on e-mails, SMS messaging, to try to "convince" someone to partake in changing their jobs, rather than picking up a phone, where they could hear the inflections of your voice, hear a live person..

This is a bit of a Peeve of mine, and I ramble, but, it is something to look at, when taking in recruiting. It is Psych 101 - we are dealing with People's lives, should we not then make it personal?

[Richard Becker]

I'm not sure there is a "most important" category. All the most healthy/successful people seem to have some sort of balance. I do, however, think you're spot on in saying that recruiters and/or any professionals can better serve themselves by giving customer service a personal touch whenever and wherever possible, but then again, I used to hang out with lots of concierges. (Of course, we also have to keep in mind that not every customer wants that, which is fine.) And a big yes, even phone contact can go a long way.

As for Gen Y, I think they're a fine generation just going through the same phase that every generation does ... they think their unique, entitled, and more ready to face the changing world than their predecessors. But sadly, the more they embrace their label, the less unique they'll be. I have fun with the issue, but really when it comes right down too it, the people I work with are all met on individual terms. But maybe that's the the luxury of not being a recruiter; I only categorize when it comes to quickly accessing a target audience.