Are There Generational Differences? Social Media Use and Perceived Shared Reality

Abstract

Are there generational differences in how social media influences our perceived reality of the world? Based on the survey results of 1,060 adults in the U.S., this article examines generational differences between so-called "digital natives" - millennial students who have grown up using information communication technologies - And earlier generations, who have adopted social media tools later in life. We examined both traditional and social media usage patterns to see if social media use plays a role in perceived shared reality-how people are influenced by their network. The results suggest that the two generations differ in terms of how different facets of social media use are correlated with their perception of shared reality. However, certain uses of social media, such as clicking links provided by social media contacts, contribute to perceived shared reality both for younger and older people.