I’m doing research around how different ages using social networks, communities, and virtual worlds by age, and will compile this list as it grows. I’m looking for established community sites that are mature enough to work with brands.
There is already so much coverage on mainstream social networks like Bebo, MySpace, Facebook, and LinkedIn that we forget about the other smaller niche networks. First, understand technographics (how ages use social media 18+) by accessing Forrester’s profile tool, available for free.
If you know the demographics for any of these, please leave a comment.
Youth
I’m primarily seeking communties that are under 18, beyond just MySpace.
Club Penguin, Disney
8-12, Virtual WorldStardolls
Young Girls 10-17, Social Network, virtual dollsBarbie Girls
6-16, Virtual WorldWeeWorld
Youth, Avatar based Social networkZookazoo
6-10 year olds, Virtual WorldClub Penguin, Disney
8-12, Social network, virtual dollsGaia
Teens, Virtual WorldHabbo Hotel
European Youth, Virtual WorldCyworld
South Korean youth, (and now global), virtual/social networkNeopets
Youth, Virtual PetsPixie Hollow, Disney
Young Girls, Virtual PetTeen Second Life
Teen, Virtual WorldWebkinz
Youth, Virtual WorldPiczo
Teens, Social NetworkDizzywood
Youth, Virtual World/gamesShining Stars, by Russ
Youth, ‘name a star’
Puzzle Pirates
Youth, Gaming, Virtual World
50+
Now of course, boomers and retired are also going to be on lifestyle social networks like Facebook and LinkedIn, but I’m seeking examples that are focused in on reaching these folks.
Eons
50+, Social NetworkBOOMj
50+, Social NetworkTee Bee Dee
Boomers, Social NetworkAARP
Boomers, Social NetworkThere’s a larger list of Boomer sites, many I’ve not heard from.
Departed
Someone suggests this in the comments in Friendfeed, makes sense.
Legacy
Respectance
Tributes.com
SweetMemoriesSite
ChristianMemorials
PreciousMemoriesAndMoreFor what it’s worth, I hope this blog lives on past my time here.
Related Resources
Danah Boyd has a great PDF on Youth and Social Networks (PDF) Many reports (260) on Forrester site tagged youth