How interesting. Personally, I wouldn’t use the term “lack,” which to me implies “can’t be learned.” Many older workers can, and do, learn to utilize social networking options. But while it’s brought up, let’s look at and read many of the younger members of the workforce, including sometimes those presenting articles on news Websites including the very ‘BZ here, who oftentimes can’t even form or spell a grammatically correct sentence; or who have no one-on-one people/social skills, tact, or manners when dealing with the public as professionals: across society sectors, that much-needed, professional human touch will never have its place shunted aside by assistive technologies. If it did, workplaces, customer service and business would go down the tubes.

Right on Italo!!! I’m amazed at how many supposedly college educated people out there can’t spell, form a complete sentence, use ANY punctutation, or even add or subtract without a calculator. Nobody in the media or in any study has EVER mentioned these half-wits.

In my opinion, this is a sophisticated form of ‘age discrimination’. It’s basically saying ‘old people can’t do the same things young people can do therefore they are unfit for the workplace’.

it is amazing the direction they are heading, they can be with-in feet of each other and they text each other rather than walk over and have a conversation.
they are reaching a point where could not hold a meeting and speak, they would sit there and text each other

Why is there not more discussion about the rampet agism and age discrimination that is taking place in this country. Commericals featuring old people being plowed over i.e, betty white in a football game? Would it be funny if it were person in a wheel chair. Why do we make exceptions when it comes to agism? Anyone seen the just for men commercial. Just enough gray? So you dont look too older or too young. How about a skin cream commercial for skinning tiniting so you dont look too white or too black..lol. Why is no one paying attention to this?

I agree with all of you (above). I’m working past retirement age, editing and teaching, and I’ve noticed that most of the young people posting on the Internet can’t construct a correct sentence, let alone conduct a coherent conversation. And while I do have new media skills, I prefer to use them for keeping in touch with real friends who live far away, not for presenting a phony version of my life to an uncaring world. Twittering is for the birds!

This is the world we live in now. When all you old people were young your parents were complaining about rock and roll and who knows what, maybe the drugs and sex of the 60′s and 70′s. But my look how the shoe is on the other foot. Instead of complaining about the youth of today try learning the trends of today and tomorrow before your left even farther behind. These young people who cant form a sentence or have no one on one skills are one day going to be in the same boat and eventually lose their jobs to someone younger. Guess what that’s life it happens to every generation. So you can either sit here on your computers and complain about it or you can go out and do something about it

Is it posible that older people prefere to live in the REAL world as opposed to the Make Believe (Virtual)?

I believe regardless of your age you need to be aware of the methods employers are using to advertise jobs, screen candidates, and their preferred way of receiving your resume, whether you like it or not. Otherwise you are handicapping yourself when it comes to finding a new position.

The way “experienced” folks can differentiate themselves is by demonstrating good spelling and grammar while presenting themselves in the most concise way possible. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or your cover letter and resume. Don’t let employers ever forget that experience and wisdom trumps everything. Just remember not to intimidate them in the interview process. Many of those wet behind the ears hiring managers may realize you’re more qualified to their job than they are and not hire you for that reason. So, pace yourself and only give them enough to want you. Once you’re on the inside, then you can show them just how valuable you really are.

The ad says ‘Facebook helps you connect”. Really? Isn’t the better term “Disconnect”? Will there come a day when Maternity Wards are replaced by Computer Labs? When REAL people become obsolete?How many people every day walk by Real People on their way home to look for the Love Of Their life on some Website that looks like( and operates like) the drive thru Menu at MacDonalds or the Burgher King.It’s a pathetic world when it comes to Humans connecting with Humans.

Did anyone read Doonsbury last week?

It’s been like this forever, the only problem is the worlds worse off now than it was 30 yrs ago, just keep working hard, they told me in the 80′s it will pay off, I’m waiting still as they let us know last week no raises for the 3rd straight year, off to try to find another job to better myself, I’m still trying to buy a house , just turned 37 :)

Senior job seekers avoid the social media sites because to use them you have to list your age. I am sure the companies have access to this information to sift out the older applicants. As soon as I fill out the application, upload my resume and complete in a fraction of the time allowed, the online apptitude test, I get the “sorry you do not meet the requirements that we are looking for. It is obvious that the see my 63 years of age and press “delete”.