Social networking websites have become increasingly popular among all Americans since their inception, but in the past year older adults have been especially likely to sign up to connect and communicate with their family and friends online. Between April 2009 and May 2010, the number of online adults ages 50 and older on social networking sites nearly doubled, growing from 22% to 42%. Nearly half (47%) of all internet-using adults ages 50-64 are on social networking sites, as are a quarter (26%) of those ages 65 and older, up from 25% and 13% a year ago, respectively. The growth rate of younger adults on social networking sites pales in comparison — but from a far higher base. Young adults are still far more likely to be on a social networking site. Nearly all online adults ages 18-29 use social networking sites, as do 61% of internet users ages 30-49. Read More

Russell Heimlich  is a former web developer at Pew Research Center.