Thoughts on Millennial Blogging & Credibility
The beginning of mainstream blogging- In 2004, I wrote my senior thesis on Internet technologies that were shaping culture. I wrote about blogging and Internet radio and how they were changing routines. At the time of my thesis, I was a blogger and I was active in local blogging communities. However, with some careful thought and panel discussions, I was able to acknowledge it was still very much in the early adopter stage of the technology adoption life cycle. I was a very active blogger so it appeared to me, at first glance, that a ton of people were blogging.
Blogging today- Where is blogging now? It’s probably still between early adopter and early majority. I am making an assumption that most bloggers probably feel blogging is mainstream. However, more people I know personally don’t blog and don’t read blogs. However, because the Internet has such a large reach, I know countless virtual people who actively blog and participate in social media. Of course, social media has played a large part in the awareness of blogs and has provided many free blogging outlets.
It’s now 2008 and there is so much more data available to write educational papers on blogging. One could still say blogging is taking off. One could say it’s mainstream– but perhaps it should be said with a disclaimer. Blogging is mainstream for Gen Y and some Gen X. In fact, with these generations, there is a huge blog saturation, especially with sites branded with content towards Gen Y, Millennial, and Professional Development. Alternatively, most Baby Boomers and retirees are not blogging. To them, social media is not important and adds little value socially or in business.
Credibility- One major theme in blogging is about the credibility of authors and commenters. You cannot believe everything you read– whether from a blog or any other medium. Just because someone says it on a blog, doesn’t mean it’s true even if the theme seems valid and other bloggers agree. Critically think about the content you are reading and choose your opinion based upon personal reflection.
Takeaway- Avoid generalizations and stereotypes– just because you are close to an idea or conception, doesn’t mean others perceive things as you do. Critically think about what you are reading and writing. Educate people who don’t blog on how blogs can add value and promote collaboration and communication on endless topics. It’s okay to agree with other bloggers just as it’s okay to disagree with bloggers. Doing this constructively fosters better conversation and adds more value.
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Tags: blog, Blogger, Generation Y
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June 1st, 2008 at 11:24 am
Thanks for this post.
I really agree on the idea that the aim of blogging is to “foster better conversation”. I think, that is the very challenge of the web since it is the true way to really meet people.