A Generational Comparison of Social Networking Site Use: The Influence of Age and Social Identity

Abstract

An online survey (N = 256) compared social networking site (SNS) use among younger (millennial: 18–29) and older (baby-boomer: 41–64) subscribers focusing on the influence of collective self-esteem and group identity on motives for SNS use. Younger participants reported higher positive collective self-esteem, social networking site use for peer communication, and social compensation. Regardless of age, participants reporting high collective self-esteem and group identity were more likely to use social networking sites for peer communication and social identity gratifications, while those reporting negative collective self-esteem were more likely to use social networking sites for social compensation. The theoretical implications of the strong relationship between social identity gratifications and social compensation are discussed.

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