We Love Networking Media

By Yammy Cheong Teng Ian

The Internet has become a global trend. The post-80s generation starts spending more time on social networking media (SNM) instead of on face-to-face social activities.

Most of the post-80s have their own dreams; they usually have part-time or full-time jobs despite their studies. Yet, their schedules are usually tight and they may feel it hard to have a face-to-face chat with their friends or relatives.

“I seldom stay at home; even when I am at home, I usually keep browsing on my computer,” said Nelson Hong, a Year 2 student from Macau University of Science and Technology. “It is almost a week that I have not seen my parents. Even my parents and I are at home, we just mind our own business, and we seldom talk.”

Hong also said that both of his parents have to work. Sometimes he finds it hard to have even one dinner with all family members together. He expressed that he understands that the lack of family communication would create problems. However, he thinks his family would understand him because he is working for a better future.

Chatting online through Facebook or other social networking websites is popular for the post-80s. With technological innovations developing rapidly, an access to SNM has become more convenient, no matter with computers or mobile phones. Young people follow the trend of writing blogs in sites such as Xanga or MSN Space, which help them express their feeling and share with friends.

In order to be able to communicate and understand the post-80s, more and more parents start to use Facebook. According to the Macao Internet Project which, supported by University of Macau, and which is part of the World Internet Project (WIP), the percentage of Internet users under 24 years old from 2001 to 2008 has increased by 34.3%, and middle-aged users (25-54 years old) have increased by 34.1%. These figures show that while the number of teenagers has increased in Internet usage, more middle aged people have also adopted the Internet. Besides, politicians also pay more attention to the post-80s through SNM. Some Hong Kong legislators set up Facebook accounts to acquire more understanding of the post-80s thoughts.

Ita Leng, a mother using Facebook, said, “Since Facebook is so popular now, the relationship between my daughter and I becomes closer. We start to have more common topics to talk about and I can even send free gifts through the Internet to make my daughter happy.” She feels glad that the SNM has helped her understand more about her daughter’s thoughts and feelings as she has only maximum three hours to be with her daughter in person. She encourages every parent to learn about the Internet. “It’s never too old to learn,” she said.

Another post-80s youth also expressed that parents using the networking media can help connect families together. Gigi Vong, a master student from King’s College London, said, “Since I study in London, I often use MSN, Skype or Facebook to show my care towards my parents and my two younger sisters. I think online chat is really a gift for me as I no longer have to pay too much on my long distance call bills….It makes me feel closer with my family.”