Smartphone Usage
Raised on rotary phones, party lines, and memorized phone
numbers, baby boomers see smartphones as practical tools for communication and
information. They check their phones an average of 224 times a day, more than
any other generation, using them for messages, news updates, and everyday tasks
rather than spending long stretches glued to a screen. (reviews.org)
By comparison, Gen Z averages 4 hours and 6 minutes of
smartphone use daily, often in longer scrolling sessions. (reviews.org)
Today, boomers scroll through their smartphones with the
same enthusiasm they once brought to hanging out at the mall food court as
teenagers.
They use platforms like Facebook and YouTube to stay
connected with family and friends, engage with trusted brands, and watch
longer-form content. In fact, 82.3% of U.S. baby boomers use at least one
social media network in 2026 (awisee.com).
By contrast, Gen Z, often called "platform
hoppers," favor TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. While boomers stick with familiar platforms, Gen Z moves between multiple short-form,
trend-driven apps. On average, Gen Z spends 3.2 hours per day on social media,
compared with 1.5 hours for baby boomers, highlighting their different
approaches to online content and communities (SocialRails; Sociallyin).
Baby boomers are strong online consumers. An estimated 11.3
million adults ages 55 to 64 and 10.8 million age 65 and older are expected to
make purchases through social media, proving social commerce is not limited to
younger generations. Their buying power is significant: 63% have a credit card,
39% made an online purchase within the last week, and 30% fall into a
high-income bracket. (Awisee.com)
Trust remains a priority. In fact, 62% of boomers regret at
least one impulse purchase influenced by social media, making credibility and
transparency far more effective than high-pressure sales tactics. (Awisee.com)
As baby boomers continue embracing smartphones, social
media, and online shopping, they are proving that digital engagement is no
longer defined by age. From rotary phones to smartphones, they have adapted
remarkably well. The message is clear: boomers are not just keeping up with the
digital world, they are shaping it.
For authors, the marketing message is clear -- you need to use the right social media to find your readers. I wonder what we will see happen to all those statistics as AI approaches to search and social media continue to change,
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about that too regarding marketing for my books. Most of my readers are baby boomers that buy my books!
DeleteThe 224 phone checks a day really surprised me, Teresa, especially next to Gen Z's long scrolling sessions.
ReplyDeleteMe too! I looked at that stat a couple of times but it clearly stated that. I’m very surprised at that number!
DeleteThe 224 phone check surprised me, too. If you take out 8 hours a day for sleep, I think that's something like about every 4 minutes. And since a fair number of us don't even have smart phones, some people must be spending pretty much all their time checking their phone. Good for us to know, though.
ReplyDeleteIt surprised me too! I know that I pick up my phone a lot but not that much!
DeleteThis is fascinating - and sobering - information, T! The statistic that really hit home for me was the one about regretting at least one online purchase. Yep! My pet peeve is when the advertisements keep popping up in my feed after I've bought the product.
ReplyDeleteI know! I did one last week and the item was not as it looked online!
DeleteYes, this past summer I fell down the rabbit hole looking for birthday and Christmas gifts for my grandsons. Otherwise, I use my phone for quick fact checks (where is a particular soccer play from? when will the rain start?)
ReplyDeleteApparently, us baby boomers have power! Ha!
DeleteInteresting. Especially the number of times Boomers check phones.
ReplyDeleteI can’t even believe it! But I checked that number from multiple sources! Crazy that our generation does that!
DeleteI know I check my phone way too much... when I get up; throughout the day; before I go to bed, whenever it is near my hand. Who would have thought it would become an extension of our arms?
ReplyDelete