I recently read an article in eWeek on how companies are targeting there customers this way. This article sites a an article by Dana Boyd in which she talks about class divisions on Facebook and Myspace. According to Boyd Facebook is more likely used by kids that are on there way to college while Myspace users are either getting a job or going into the military after high school.
"These broad generalizations about services with millions of users a piece seem to be shared by some buttoned-down financial service companies seeking to tap the youth market via social networks. As social nets gain popularity as business tools within the enterprise, companies continue to reach beyond the firewall and use the technology for marketing purposes as well. For a growing number of big banks, Facebook is the place to be.
TD Canada recently launched a Facebook application called Split IT, which lets roommates easily divvy up shared bills. The bank built the app as part of its Facebook offering, The Money Lounge, which features financial information, coupons and other content. When a Money Lounge message board asked users what they like and don't like about the bank, replies compared TD Canada's online services with those offered by other large Canadian banks—valuable marketing intelligence.
JPMorgan Chase, meanwhile, targets the college demographic with a Facebook group built around a credit card loyalty program. The Chase +1 group has about 34,000 members, and offers rewards and financial advice. The idea is to win over valuable customers early and keep them for years."
Do you think this is a valid idea. Is there a social class for these two services. I know there is a big gap between those that have access to computers and those that do not. While computers are getting cheaper---perhaps this is the beginning of a new technology divide. What do you think? Do you agree?
Full article http://www.digitalinfrastructure.ziffdavisenterprise.com/article/Why+Some+Companies+Employ+Facebook/217063_1.aspx
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Richard, I'm not sure I agree with these generalizations. While Facebook presents itself as a higher level of social networking, I think it is more similar to what Amy shared from her babysitter. Myspace seems to serve the younger crowd, while Facebook targets an older group. In a recent Internet Safety presentation I gave, I had high school juniors tell me more of them are using Facebook. When I asked the frosh and sophmore classes about Facebook I got A LOT of blank stares - they were primarily Myspace users.
I also know of teachers in my division that have personal Myspace accounts. The two that quickly come to mind are younger, married white females - one with a toddler, one without children. I haven't heard any teachers (in my division) talk about Facebook.
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