The surge in social media is causing youngsters to lose touch with their communities, new Kent research has revealed.

The Facebook generation - those aged 18-29 - are less likely to engage with their neighbourhoods than their grandparents.

The research by Canterbury Christ Church University reveals just 39% in that age group talked to people in their community daily.

That compares with 68 per cent among those aged 70 or above.

The findings were revealed in a research project, Neighbours Online, led by Dr Agnes Gulyas.

The results show a widening gap in how we relate to our communities, depending on how old we are. And generally, just half of our communication is done face to face.

The survey revealed the local newspaper as the most popular way for people to get their information, with 65% of people finding out local information that way. Community newsletters also fared well with 37.2 per cent.

Surprisingly, social networking recorded just 12% as a way for people to get community information, despite more than 40% of 18-29 year olds using social media in the last 12 months to communicate about community issues.

The opposite can be said for the older generation - with 36% contributing to a community newsletter and only 2.8% using social media.

Dr Agnes Gulyas, said: "It’s really encouraging to see people still have a positive view of their local communities in Kent, especially the older generation and those living in more rural locations.

"What’s important is to ensure that this community outlook does not disappear with technological developments and new tools, such as Facebook and Twitter, hold communities together, rather than widen a gap between generations or urban and rural areas."

Dr Gulyas's research showed almost half of all those surveyed said they used online tools more, as compared to three years ago.

But there is a huge digital divide in neighbourhoods, depending on factors such as people's age and where they live.

She added: "It is important that this aspect is taken into account and reflected upon in local communities and by local organisations and politicians in their communication strategies.

"If not, there is a danger that sections of their communities are left behind and excluded from the buzz of community life."

The survey also revealed that how people communicate locally is influenced by whether they have children or not.

Parents tended to use more traditional forms of media to communicate about local issues, alongside face-to-face communication to get information about local community issues and events.

More than 30% of people with children had contributed to a community newsletter in the last year, whereas only 15.7% of people without children did.

Those without youngsters, though, are more likely to use social media tools.

Another great divider is where we live - city dwellers are more addicted to Facebook and Twitter it seems - while those living in villages are almost four times more likely to write a piece in a community newsletter.

Any local community groups or organisations who are interested in developing their social media presence should contact Dr Gulyas viaagnes.gulyas@canterbury.ac.uk.