Interactivity and social media for all ages!  The growth of social media and Web 2.0 has been developing and expanding for years.  We hear about it everyday in the news, more and more companies are finding unique ways to reach their audiences through social media.

Statistics for social media are always changing and updating.  Jeremy Owyang, a web strategist, explains that people are not concerned by exact numbers, but by the actual changes that are occurring.  His post, “A Collection of Social Media Stats for 2009“, had a lot of interesting information.  More people are relying on social networks rather than email.  Twitter has grown by the millions.

So why are people still afraid of social media? Some say they just don’t understand the concept.  Many feel they don’t have the time or resources.  The worst possible excuse is that they are too old to deal with the new technology. In my opinion if someone wants to communicate with social media, they will. I know two men who are blogging and reaching out to their communities through social media.

I learned of this first gentleman through my friend and classmate Sarah Lokitis.  Her blog discusses the different types of corporate blogs and what makes them work.  Her post, “Marriott: CEO Blog“, discusses a blog created by Bill Mariott, CEO of Marriott International, Inc.  He uses his CEO blog to communicate with consumers.  Mr. Marriott, at 70 years old, does not know how to type on a computer.  He does however, understand the importance of social media and make sure to keep in touch with his consumers.

He is not the only man who understands the value of social media.  Last Sunday modern dance legend and world renowned choreographer Merce Cunningham past away at age 90.  Upon hearing the news, I found an article in the Washington Post discussing his life.  While reading, “Renowned Choreographer Merce Cunningham Dies at 90“, I learned that Merce used social media to keep in touch with the dance community.  This past year he created, Mondays with Merce, a series of webcasts and interviews open for public viewing.

These webcasts show behind the scenes master classes and rehearsals.  They also provide interviews with current and former dancers, artists, and musicians that have worked and been influenced by Merce.  

These two men have pushed past the so-called, “generation gap” and have proven that people of any age can find a way to use social media.