Facebook: A Decline in Popularity?

When Facebook first came onto the scene, it was the “in” thing for college kids.  It was of course, meant to be used by college students as a way to keep up with classmates.  Over time it has transitioned to one of the most popular social networking sites utilized by way more people than just college students.  In fact nowadays it is common to see people ages 40+ creating pages, staying connected to friends and family. 

Typing in phrases like “Facebook’s popularity declining” or “Facebook’s growth rate” brings you to a plethora of articles about the current state of Facebook.  For the last few years, a multitude of sources have doomed the site claiming it was just a phase (despite how popular it had become) and other social media sites would eventually over throw its popularity- a very similar scenario to what occurred with Myspace.  We’ll revisit that shortly!  So the real question is, is Facebook’s popularity truly in decline? 

Various ratings have concluded that while Facebook is still being utilized, new accounts are being made less frequently, however people are actually spending an extra 15 minutes logged on.  So what does this really tell us?  Not much, especially since other blogs, articles and supposed “social media experts” have claimed that not only are new accounts way down, but people are opting to delete their sites.  On the other hand, some bloggers/experts claim that Facebook is still on top and will only continue rising from here.   The verdict just isn’t quite out yet.

New sites continually crop up and offer users a variety of options as far as capabilities and overall content.  The new sites attract users and users place old sites on the backburner.  Perhaps (here’s where we revisit Myspace) that is what happened with Myspace.  Facebook gave users something new to talk about, so users talked.  Users logged on and use grew, while Myspace accumulated dust.  With the emergence of new sites, this could quite possibly happen to Facebook.  Many people never thought they’d see the day Myspace became extinct, but for the most part, it has. 

There’s always going to be a new kid on the block, so to say.  There will always be new sites offering new features that will sweep onto the scene.  That doesn’t necessarily mean Facebook is terminal.  So long as it can offer users what they want (new features) then there is nothing set in stone saying Facebook’s day is done.  The best thing to do with Facebook or any social media sites is take full advantage of what they offer.  Create groups, build ads, expand on a client base, make that invite, and comment on people’s updates.  Failing to use a site because you’re afraid of its demise just doesn’t cut it—Experts will tell you.  Keep using sites until you feel they don’t work for you or your business at all anymore.  Don’t live in fear of the end of Facebook, use what it can provide today. 

Ask us our thoughts and opinions.  We have plenty of both!  At All Points PR we firmly stand behind social media and what social media’s capabilities for our clients.