Twitter

Prior to this assignment I had no experience with Twitter. The only thing i new about Twitter was that it is essentially text, where individuals could publicly update their status. I have now taken the time to create a twitter account for myself and explore this cutting-edge social networking service. Through Twitter, people can send messages of up to 140 characters to their "followers", these messages are similar to text messaging on a cell phone, except they are made public. These messages, referred to at "tweets", typically involve what that individual is doing, or thinking. On your Twitter account you can choose people you would like to follow, and even send direct messages to individuals. You can choose friends, family and even celebrities. While exploring Twitter, it came to my realization at how many celebrities are using this social network. Tweets provide an informal way of communication or messages to a network of people. 


Twitter can be useful for different reasons, depending on what your purpose for tweeting is. It can be used in a social context, where people can notify others of what they are doing or thinking. People can gossip through twitter and keep others updated on their current status. Similar to e-mail, Facebook, text message, phone calls, etc. twitter is a method of communication. People can use twitter to find out what their friends or family are doing, or even celebrities, or to keep in touch and updated. People who are addicted to celebrity gossip, could find Twitter as a very useful tool for keeping update on what all of their favourite celebrities are doing. Twitter can also be used for business purposes. Individuals or businesses can use twitter as a form of promotion, and a way to inform the public of their business. 


Twitter and blogging have similarities as well as differences. They are similar in that they are both social networks that can have personal as well as business purposes. Both Twitter and blogging are personal expressions of individuals that can keep others updated on their thoughts. However, these two social networks differ in the fact that twitter is mostly short sections of text, involving mostly status updates or short direct messages. Blogging can contain infinite posts including pictures, gadgets, music, etc. and can include reviews or opinions, allowing users to go more in depth in their posts. Blogging allows users to add a personal touch to their social networking experience.