Did you know that women, in all age categories, outnumber men as far as the driving force of social media?
So what? you may say.
According to Johanna Blakely, Deputy Director of the Norman Lear Center (a media-focused think tank at the University of Southern California) this is changing the future of entertainment media. Blakely asks, “If social media is dominating old media, and women are dominating social media, does this mean that women are going to take over global media?”
In traditional media everyone is lumped according to demographics, and viewers over 54 don’t exist. Now with on-line media, people can escape their age, ethnic background and gender, as they aggregate around their shared interests, So it’s no longer age, gender and skin color that matters.
“Shared interests and values are far more powerful aggregators of human beings than demographics,” Blakely says. “Does this mean media companies are going to hire more women and we shall see more female characters in video games, TV, even chick flicks?” she asks.
I’m selfish, and yes, I hope that the entertainment industry realizes that they have a huge audience of females 40+ who are waiting to see movies they can relate to, women on TV they can relate to, marriages they can relate to, and of course family stories they can relate to.
I think connecting, sharing and especially “talking” to others is a female trait, so why am I not surprised to hear that women outnumber men in social networking? Do you realize the potential of social networking? Please share Johanna Blakely’s research with your friends. Lets get moving. This is HUGE!
I’m curious to hear your thoughts, whether male or female?
I am not surprised at this information, but glad to hear it confirmed, especially since I am a way over 40 female.
Of course this is huge.
I've long been of the opinion that women are generally smarter than men in a lot of ways. Maybe not in technical things, but in sharing values and stories — absolutely. In looking at whose blogs I read, most of the bloggers are women. And a man who doesn't trust his wife/partner is, in my opinion, not very bright.
The more we gather together based on values and interests, the stronger we will be as a society. Even in spite of the financiers and politicians. As long as women don't try to behave like men.
I was involved in radio broadcasting as a career so I'm quite familiar with the ageism problem of traditional media.
In the 70's and early 80's advertisers didn't want anyone over 34. Eventually the upper end became 49, and finally 54. The ratings services didn't even include people over 54 in their surveys until the late 90's.
I hadn't thought of it before, but you are absolutely right: social media ignores age and focuses on interests or geographic locations.
That is an important change in mindset that will benefit everyone, young and old.
This 'women are dominating social media' point is interesting. Doesn't it mean that all those women are in virtual world, not in real world?
Men don't have time for social media like women? (blogging, facebook, twitter…)
It's totally different to be active virtually than in real life where you meet (or have to) people face to face.
Many people are not able to meet other people in real life (shy, ill, depressed, 'different' etc.) Social media is excellent for them!
I agree with you – we need more programs meant for adult women!
We dominate men everywhere…they just don't realize it.
This doesn't surprise me at all and I'm so happy it's happening. I believe the more women are involved in every aspect of our world the more harmony there will be. I wrote recently about Joan Borysenko's book, 'A Woman's Journey to God' and how she discovered the primary difference between men and women in religion was that men see it as Jacob's ladder, a direct straight shot to God, and women view it more as Sarah's Circle, reaching out to community.
Thanks for the post!
@Jeanie
I was a little surprised. Let's keep up the good work.
@Miss Sadie
I agree we each have our own strengths. We all need one another.
@Bob
I know Bob, I hadn't thought of it either. It does seem to make a huge difference.
@BLOGitse
So perhaps women have a huge advantage since they enjoy interacting online and reaching out to the world!
@Lynn
HAHA. I think men are in general physically stronger than women. I see that at my local gym.
@Barbara
I think you have a point there about more harmony. Perhaps that's where we're heading with our social networking. Let's hope so. Good point Barbara.
Oh dear… the Pavlovian response to want to click the "LIKE" button on some of the responses is overwhelming! I am a WAY over 50 female who is just loving this social media world. I think it's great that I can be talking to people half my age, male or female, black, white or polka dot… from all over the planet, about a variety of subjects, and all without anyone making a judgment call because of my lack of youth. The virtual world is a great leveler; but I've also found it has helped me push boundaries in the real world too. I'm far more spontaneous now… perhaps it's the age thing, but nothing's gonna stop me now!
I read recently that there are now more women than men pursuing university degrees as well and that half the medical school graduates are women as well. Good thing!
I'm not at all surprised either… it's about time too.
I think women are more open in the social venues, more likely to share
their inner selves–their feelings
about important issues. Men may be more careful in their approaches within the social network, sharing what doesn't make them appear weak or vulnerable.
As for TV etc.,there is too many youth oriented programs, most of which is mindless and without redeeming value. It's as if the aged sector doesn't exist–though Hot in Cleveland is a lively show!
My age group doesn't 'sell', or gather up the ratings.
How many vampire-style shows do we need?
Youth always sells–even the 'miracle' cosmetics ads are geared to fresh and youthful women.
Oh well, I guess it's time for my corn plasters!
The information does not surprise me at all. In fact I'm prepare to see more radical changes in our life…
Hi Gutsy,
I have been reading this blog for a while, wanted to comment on the last post, changed my mind, then I saw this one and had to 🙂
There is a common misconception and I see it in too many posts and comments that women can't excel beyond communication or a certain age group.
Ignorant prejudice. Numerous studies have shown that women are just as capable as men when it comes to the sciences and math, but that they are discouraged from pursuing those fields at a very early age.
52% (and climbing) of the world's population and what they could add to humanity. An untapped potential.
"Featured" in my current post are Ada Lovelace (Lord Byron's daughter), whose contribution to computers most have never heard of, and of course Marie Curie.
Maybe I should write a post on the great women of and in science.
And hello. 🙂
very thought-provoking sonia. have you read the alphabet vs. the goddess by leonard shlain? he theorizes that the 'eye' of the media (tv, film) is feminine in nature –
i'm with you on the over 40 female audience. big things could happen if we women get together on this one!
Interesting information. I'm not surprised the women rule on Facebook, but I (for some unknown reason) figured there were more men than women on Twitter.
A bit of a reflection on the title, somewhat delayed.
Do women "dominate" men on social media, or "outnumber" men. There is a significant difference in those words.
If women "dominate," are you in the running for chief dominatrix?