Social Network Sites Begin to See Different Segments Forming

Posted by Paul Christ October 21, 2009

Labels: Customer Behavior, Targeting Markets, Trends

Facebook, MySpace Divide Along Social Lines (NPR)

While many over the age of 30 may view Facebook and MySpace as being essentially the same thing, the main users of these websites have a different view.  It appears that different segments are forming between the two that may one day clearly separate who these sites attract.

"No one uses MySpace," says 17-year-old Halie Pacheco, a student at The Urban School. She likes Facebook. "It's safer and more high class," she explains.

Should either of these two sites be concerned about how they are being viewed within the social networking market?

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3 Comments

  1. Corinne Shabe makes this comment

    January 10, 2010

    The target market for Facebook is growing, but it is still exactly what Zuckerberg intended it to be. It was initially launched to an elite group of Universities and has virally been opened up to more and more groups. After every college was tapped out, it moved to high schools and now is completely open to the public. The site is organized in a way that attracts a more educated market. They should be thrilled with the market they’re attracting, and subsequently the advertisers they’re attracting. MySpace on the other hand, should be concerned. The site is being viewed as more appealing to a lower income market and young artists. There is more freedom to create your page on MySpace, but it’s also more confusing for the user. Not everyone is looking for that. I work at a retail company that is constantly discussing advertising on facebook, but I have yet to attend a meeting when one person mentions the name MySpace.

  2. Stijn Driessen makes this comment

    January 02, 2010

    It really depends on the target group. For example: In the Netherlands Hyves is really popular, and in the UK you have Facebook all over it. However in France people prefer Skyblog.

  3. CoreyTess makes this comment

    October 23, 2009

    MySpace should be concerned that it is becoming a social media stepchild. Facebook moves very quickly and adds new content and abilities almost daily, the open source and easy development tools make it a great platform for coders to create fun content for. I am over 30 and hardly use MySpace except to find new bands sometimes. Twitter is a whole other animal entirely, but the way that Facebook has been able to easily integrate with every new trend makes its value soar. MySpace has more ways to make your page look like you (your persona) however, it is so much harder to use that it isn't worth the time. Facebook and Myspace are totally different in their approaches to social media. IMHO, Corey

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