Twitter may have over 30 million users but a recent study conducted by Participatory Marketing Network and the Lubin School of Business’ Interactive and Direct Marketing Lab at Pace University found that only 22% of 18 to 24 year olds use Twitter. However, when this same age group was asked about social networking usage, 99% reported that they have at least one active profile on another social networking site.
At the recent Twtrcon conference, Michael Della Penna, co-founder and chairman of Participatory Marketing Network commented, “If [18-24 year olds] are texting, using social networks, what is the social value of Twitter?” He went on to say, “This is a classic ‘glass half full’ scenario for Twitter because it’s clear that Gen Y has an appetite for social networking, but still hasn’t fully embraced micro-blogging. There is a tremendous opportunity now for marketers to develop strategies to get this important group active on Twitter too.”
Some other interesting findings from the study show that 89% of 18 to 24 years olds have downloaded an application for their social networking profile page and 38% own an iPhone or iPod Touch.