Government launches social networking website for over-50s
Kayleigh:
November 7th, 2007
The government has launched a social networking site for the over-50s so they can talk directly to the government about issues that concern them.
The website, called Generation Xperience, introduces topics into its forums, but also allows members of the public to start forums of their own. The topics the site has welcomed so far are “The internet” and “60 goals for the over 60s.”
The site also lists local events such as music and dance events, and encourages its audience to join in by visiting the government website Directgov. It also links to other websites that might interest the over-50s such as the Government News Network and Age Concern.
The site also intends to have its own groups on other popular social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook and Youtube.
The site makes it clear that although ministers will take note of the over-50s, they cannot answer their questions directly on the site. Instead, representatives from the Department of Work and Pensions will keep the site running and up to date.
Lynne Williams, 50, believes the site is a good idea. She said: “I don’t go to council meetings but I can now talk to the government from the comfort of my own home to voice my concerns now, which is great.”
Personally, I think the website is a good idea, but why don’t they create a site for young people. It seems to me that most young people aren’t very interested in politics but if the government tried to interact with them using modern technology that young people use, they might get more of a response.