The face of privacy: an exploratory study of young and older facebook users

Abstract

Just as the Internet has taken a prominent place in social life, so has the sociological study of social network sites. The objective of this study is to discern the similarities and differences between young and older Facebook users along the lines of privacy, usage, online friends, and impression management. To explore this topic, participant observation, semi-structured interviewing, and an exploration of Facebook in the media and everyday life was conducted. It was found that Facebook establishes new understandings of privacy, ways of socializing, making friends, and presenting oneself to others. This study contributes to sociological research on the Internet, privacy, and impression management. By examining Facebook, this research also gives a voice to older adults who exist in an environment often associated with the young: social network sites.