Remember the old adage about children being “seen and not heard?” That saying may have held some weight for previous generations, but today’s teens and tweens have become drivers of the way we communicate, building and participating in online cultures in ways that leave some folks in the dust.
Kids are practically born with a smartphone in their hands. Combine that with a formidable collective buying power and you have a demographic whose impact is impossible to ignore.
Young people can drive the success and failure of social media platforms, forcing them to adapt or die. Their recent mass exodus from Facebook to other places like Twitter and Instagram is one example of how shifting demographics have forced some companies to adapt (quickly) to the pace of young people’s tastes and desires in an attempt to recapture them.
As a cornerstone of internet culture, teens and tweens build and contribute to massive online ecosystems, develop internet shorthand that spills over into real life and participate in social media in ways that small businesses could stand to learn from.
Getting Ahead of the Game
Teens and tweens are usually early adopters. They’re one step ahead of the game when it comes to new technology and the latest social media platforms. Being an early adopter lets you stake out a space before others get there. It also makes you look like a leader who understands new trends and blazes ahead instead of lagging behind.
Connecting Real Life and Digital Networking
Young people are expert networkers. They actively seek out people to follow, stay engaged, ask questions and prioritize extending their influence online. More importantly, they realize that digital life and real life aren’t separated by an iron curtain. Networks spill over, making real life connections become digital ones and vice versa.
The upcoming generation of millennials is often accused of being the “Me” generation, but that doesn’t mean that their efforts at self promotion aren’t worth emulating. Teens and tweens aren’t afraid to toot their own horn and you shouldn’t be either. Put your accomplishments on display so the world knows just how great you are at what you do.
Joking Around
The internet is a place to let loose! Let your voice shine through by being honest. Writing for the internet doesn’t require the formality that other media demands, so take the opportunity to be creative and put your sense of humor on display. People will see your brand as more personable and relatable that way.
A teen’s life online may seem like fun and games, but young people are masters at learning new tools of the trade. Take a cue from teens and tweens so you can stay adaptable, curious and open to taking on new challenges. You’ll be one step ahead of the competition and spearheading your way to a more creative approach to social media.
