A recent Pew Internet study released some startling statistics about the Twitter use of 18-24 year olds (the typical age of a college student). This data is crucial for collegiate athletic administrators that need to understand the culture of their student-athletes in order to make certain decisions.
As of February 2012…
- 31% of internet users age 18-24 use Twitter. In terms of number of users, that’s 93% more than were using it in 2010.
- 20% of 18-24 year olds use Twitter on a daily basis. In terms of number of users, 400% more are using it daily than were in late 2010. That’s a staggering number.
- 22% of 18-24 year olds use Twitter from their smartphone.
Not surprisingly, Twitter isn’t going away anytime soon. To quote a line in the study:
Twitter use among 18-24 year olds increased dramatically between May 2011 and February 2012, both overall and on a “typical day” basis
Social Media usage among teens and college students is growing at a rapid rate. Specifically Twitter. The Los Angeles times published a column just this week discussing how teens are moving from Facebook to Twitter. It’s not the first article to stake that claim.
The response, as it pertains to student-athletes, isn’t to tell them what not to say on Twitter.
Now, more than ever, education matters. How are our student-athletes using social media? Who is showing them the appropriate ways to use it? What kind of identity are they establishing for themselves online? Do they realize how powerful of a tool it can be for them, both now and in the future?
All of these are questions we must be asking. Questions that demand an appropriate response.
Fieldhouse Media is a firm dedicated to educating student-athletes and coaches on how to use social media in a positive, appropriate way. To find out more about us or to join the growing list of schools utilizing our services for their athletic department, contact us today.
