Social Networking Class Systems

A new study done by the American consumer behavior analysis firm, Nielsen Claritas, have found that the users of Facebook are affluent and the users of Myspace are in the lower economic strata.  Anderson Analytics also came to the same conclusion.  I think anyone who have used either of these social networking sites could tell you this.

I started using Myspace in 2004 and joined Facebook once the high school networks were allowed to join.  After I had switched to Facebook, I ended up canceling my account on Myspace.  One of the reasons being that I didn’t need or want to manage two accounts.  I liked the design of Facebook over Myspace and it had a selective demographic.

I think it’s obvious as to why Facebook is a home for a wealthier demographic while Myspace caters to the masses.   To register for Facebook in the early days, you had to be a student at a University with a legitimate university issued email account.  Being able to enroll in higher education means you have a certain wealth or knowledge behind you,  whereas anyone can sign up for Myspace.   Even the design of the site caters to the classes.  Myspace is very busy with auto-playing songs and customizable everything.  Facebook has a very standard and sleek design that’s easy to navigate.  Studies of design and color palettes for certain demographics emphasize this point.

Eventually,  Facebook opened to everyone.  I liked the privacy and elitism that came with Facebook.  I figured it would become another Myspace and I was expecting a new social networking site to come about and be the next big thing.  Facebook has evolved so much since they became public.  It has gotten a little out of control in my opinion, with applications, quizzes and spam, but some think this is a good thing.  I look forward to seeing how these sites will evolve and  to new social networking sites and where the demographics will go.

The New York Times: More Proof – Facebook for the Rich, Myspace for the Poor