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According to Facebook’s estimates, student numbers on the site are declining while parents and grandparents are showing up to the party.  Overall, Facebook’s numbers have grown substantially over the past six months, from 42 million users in January of ‘09 to almost 72 million in July, a 70% upswing.

Student numbers are declining: high school users are down 16% and college 21%.  Even college alumni are down 15%.  Yet the 18-24 year old growth is shown positive at 4.8%; not huge, but not a double digit decline.  So what is going on?

Other bloggers suggest parents and grandparents using the site are to blame for the disinterest from the kids.  Istrategylabs, who saved this data six months ago and provided the comparison, blames the kids feeling crowded out by bossy adults as well. 

I am not sure.  The numbers don’t necessarily reflect that.  I think the bigger question is, why are students not identifying themselves as students?  I know I consider removing that info from my profile as there are a lot of old girlfriends left in my wake I don’t want necessarily finding me.  There is nothing wrong with staying in the shadows, right?  Perhaps these kids hang back so there not so easily searchable?

The numbers say the mature market is skyrocketing: 55+ is up 513% in the past 6 months.  That is an impressive number and ought to ease Facebook’s anxiety about any loss in student numbers.  After all, students are typical cash poor while their parents and grandparents can pay to keep in touch.  Sounds like the makings of a sustainable business plan.

If the naysayers are right, where are these students going for their social networking needs?

Source: [IStrategyLabs] via [ReadWriteWeb]