It seems that Twitter and Facebook could have a new social networking rival for Britain’s teenagers. It’s called “The Bus”. You might think I’m joking, but research would seem to indicate that the bus is rapidly becoming a hub for teens to meet up and share news/gossip with friends.
In recent surveys, 12 – 18 year olds have said that double and single deckers have become the place to bond with friends and form new relationships. In certain areas of the country, it has been the introduction of free travel for teens that has made this possible. It appears that some youngsters have even developed a “code” of honour for travel. For example, not getting on with your bus buddy or worse, leaving them behind is considered to be a big no no.
Some teenagers will wait ages just to be able to travel with their friends. The study showed that free/cheap bus travel has improved the social lives and independence of young people. Like Facebook, teens use this to keep in touch with friends who might not live that close and therefore improving social life.
Network science as influenced this new means of social media; for example if free/cheap travel had not begun its implementation into parts of Britain then hubs such as “The Bus” would never have been a possibility.
What do you think? Will the bus become the new social networking hub?
