Harris Poll: Benefits From Social Media Vary By Demographics

Approx. 65% of U.S. adults are using social media and say they have received a positive benefit from its use.  However, younger Americans claim positive benefits as a result of their social media use much more often than do older adults.  Interesting detail to report:

• 59% of Echo Boomers (age 18-33) say they have received a positive suggestion for something to try from their activity on social media, compared to 44% of Gen Xers (age 34-45), 34% of Baby Boomers (age 46-64), and just 19% of Matures (age 65 and older). 
• Similarly, 24% quarter of Echo Boomers have found a job opportunity through social media, while only 11% in ten Baby Boomers say the same.

Source:  Harris Poll, January 2011.


They study also provides other insight on consequences from social media usage as well as opinions on privacy settings.