Should Every Social Media Manager Be Under 25?

In her article, Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25, Cathryn Sloane argues young people, like myself, should handle your company’s social media. This is, of course, a very controversial argument amongst the industry’s veterans and rookies. On one hand, most veterans believe us to be immature, and incapable of professionally representing your business. While most rookies believe we are the only generation that truly understands social media, and therefore we should be running it. 

I do not necessarily agree with one side or the other. I think both arguments are valid. Do I think we, as in Generation Y, have far more social media-savvy? Of course. We’ve grown up on social media. It isn’t new to us.

I, however unlike many of my fellow millennials, understand the elder-generation’s argument. Nothing beats experience. Sure, we know our way around a social media site, and we’ve taken class upon class on marketing, and branding, but nothing compares to on-the-job experience. That is something we don’t yet have; that is why the experienced professional has the upper hand.

That being said, I think everyone needs to stop arguing, and work together. Social media is already an essential marketing tool, and it continues to grow every day. What you need is not a Social Media Manager, but a team of Social Media Managers. Collaboration is key. The social media-savvy of a young millennial, mixed with the experience and knowledge of a seasoned professional could help improve your company’s social media presence.

These are my thoughts. Do you agree? Or do you think social media is a young man’s game? Or perhaps something we should leave to the seasoned vets? Let me know what you think!

 

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