Grey nomads have famously embraced communications technology as a way of keeping in touch with loved ones when they are off adventuring in remote and exotic locations.
While many grey nomads couldn’t get far without their Facebook fix of grandchildren photos, family news and a bit of travel bragging to friends, there are now those who question whether the ‘addiction’ is ultimately damaging the nomad experience itself?
Studies have found social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as addictive as cigarettes and alcohol, with features such as ‘retweets’ and ‘likes’ giving users a boost of feel-good brain chemicals.
Some argue that travellers now often prefer to text, Facebook, or tweet those they left behind rather than engage with those with whom they share the camping ground.
Travelling in remote Australia used to mean dropping out of contact and, to some, this ‘isolation’ encouraged interaction with fellow adventurers. News of cheap fuel spots or camping areas was shared around a campfire or under the awning, not via a website or phone app.
“Of course, having all these means of communications available changes people’s trips,” says Steve Jones, Editor-at-Large of online magazine, Travel Today. “And, for grey nomads, that’s got to be good.”
While Steve says being ‘out of contact’ is appealing for many short-term holidaymakers, grey nomads travelling for months or years at a time generally need to feel more ‘in touch’.
“The rise of the internet, mobile phones, satellite phones, Facebook and even Twitter has persuaded more people to hit the open road in the first place and that’s a positive,” says Steve. “While social media is an unwieldy beast that cannot be controlled, older people with all their life experience are generally the generation best able to keep things in perspective.”
Alice B, a grey nomad and Facebook enthusiast, agrees.
“I love following the comings and goings of my children, grandchildren and friends back at home,” she says. “And I love updating my Facebook status so they can see where we are and what we are up to … it helps me to feel still engaged with their daily lives.”
But Alice laughs at the suggestion that her hobby has prevented her from being involved with campground social activities or from maximising her Big Lap experience.
“Facebook is a nice distraction and I enjoy it, but I would never let it affect my lifestyle …that would be crazy,” she says. “If I spend two hours on Facebook, that’s a big day for me … and unless there’s some sort of emergency, Happy Hour always comes first!”
