Is social media here to stay?

Saw an interesting article on Mashable today that I thought I would share with you, more to get your opinion than anything else.

It seems that some "technology experts" (who the hell are they?) took a survey, and most agreed that "Gen Y will not grow out of social networking." It seems that, despite all of the privacy concerns about Facebook recently (something which may have slowed Facebook's growth to a crawl last month), the all-out sharing of personal information on social networking sites will probably continue.

Mashable quotes the Pew research study:

"By 2020, members of Generation Y (today’s ‘digital natives’) will continue to be ambient broadcasters who disclose a great deal of personal information in order to stay connected and take advantage of social, economic, and political opportunities. Even as they mature, have families, and take on more significant responsibilities, their enthusiasm for widespread information sharing will carry forward."

I like what one of the commenters on this article said, though.

"I agree that the generation will continue to use social networks to stay connected and play games. What exactly they say publically may change, but I feel certain they will continue to communicate in this way."

I agree that social networking is here to stay, but I think I'm with the commenter that what people share may change as these people get older. It only takes one case of identity theft hitting close to home to make you rethink exactly what you're putting out there.

On the other hand, I've put a lot out there with this blog and my Twitter account, linking to where I work and all that other stuff. So who am I to judge? Maybe that's why I'm not as worked up about the whole Facebook privacy thing as others have been.

I think it's a slam dunk that social media and networking, in some fashion, is here to stay. Considering how many adults now use it, I can't see teenagers who have grown up with it deciding that it's not for them.

Not as a group, anyway.

I also think it will transform in some fashion, as newer trends show up and new ideas become the norm. Just think. Who would have thought something location-based like Foursquare would become as wildly popular as it is?

So what do you think about this?

(I figured you were due a "regular" post too today, one where I'm not whining)