by Aileen Katcher, APR

I am conducting focus groups with baby boomers for FiftyForward to get input on programming and service offerings for that demographic (ages 50-65).  When talking with one group about how to best communicate, Facebook was mentioned.  A 64 year old retired technology business owner said Facebook will be gone in the next two years.

The others agreed.  I was surprised as baby boomers and seniors are the fastest growing segment on Facebook.  So, I decided to see what my friends and followers thought.  I posted the following on my Facebook and Twitter accounts:  

“Conducted a focus group with baby boomers today. One said Facebook is dying and won’t be around in a couple of years. What do you think?   

Now, granted, this is not a scientific sampling, but I got some interesting responses.  While two tweets simply responded “loco,” I received some interesting predictions, all from Baby Boomers (what can I say – they’re my friends and followers).  Here are some of the comments: 

Roy:   I think they said the same for Google at some point… depends on if they evolve Facebook like Google has… with other media streams for example 

Brady:  FB has reached critical mass, and cannot die easily. In two years it will be bigger. By then, even Dan will use it more.  Have you played a CD this week? That technology is 30 yrs old… I know my 32 yr old has NO CDs, in a world of iPod and mp3  BUT! YOU still buy CDs. And you will still be doing Facebook in two years    (Note – Dan is my husband, a reluctant Facebook member.)

Sally:  MySpace fell out of favor with the older, more settled market because of who it attracted Boomers don’t jump ship as easily. It think they’ll stay with Facebook if FB stays relevant (and responsive) to them.

Peg:  Relevance is a key. The recent change in format where I see all the stuff I could skip before by going to status updates has decreased my interest and use. 

Lynn:  Given the pace of change in technology, I think social networking will enter another “generation” by then….not sure what it (Facebook or the replacement) will look like, but the concept of connecting with others may be the only similarity. 

Kay:  Another generation in tech will come along, using the mistakes of FB and others, to become easier and faster. I too have lost interest. 

Stephanie:  I think facebook will be more of a tool for the baby boomers than the younger generation. They will eventually move on to a new hip website. 

So, what do you think?  Will Facebook be around in 2012?