Before I decided to catch some zzz’s yesterday, here was a snapshot of what Twitter’s homepage looked like.
I think it is great the Twitter wants people to share and discover what’s happening right now, anywhere in the world. It almost sounds like I’m about to learn something educational, even meaningful. But instead, I’m learning that people really care about a pre-pubescen
t Canadian singer (named Justin Bieber), free pancakes (from IHOP), divorce allegations between the sizzling hot Cheryl Cole (though soon to be Cheryl Tweedy) and Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole, and the acceptable conventions and music in the year 2010. This sounds like a pretty sad and boring world if this is a snapshot of what millions of people are buzzing about. Topics start off as a slight buzz before word-of-mouth kicks in. It becomes this massive bubble just ready to pop into obliteration.
But I will judge not their taste in music, food, or gossip. Perhaps that is really what Twitter is all about. Anyone can say whatever they want about anything, and (maybe) someone out there will care. In that case, thank God it’s only 140 characters. This is why the Twitter model works for politicians, athletes, celebrities, wannabe celebrities, and just anyone in general. Twitter doesn’t judge those who want to share and/or discover. How selfless and noble is that?
A lot of people have a lot to share and discover. Tweets could be creative.
Or they could not. Some call it pointless babble. Others call is social grooming.
Whatever the case may be, thank God it’s only 140 characters of (mostly) crap.
Nevertheless, the concept of 140 characters works. Anymore more characters and you will have a blog. Blogs require attention. Can you imagine Tila Tequila getting anymore attention? The concept of 140 characters embodies the “thesis” of an individual’s thoughts and news that s/he wishes to share.
When I woke up this morning, here is the snapshot of what Twitter’s homepage looked like.
Apparently, Justin Bieber and free pancakes can be popular topics into and throughout the night. The only topic that was even slightly related to politics was Haiti. Those tweets were mostly expressions of support and concern towards Haitians and further needed aid. In terms of political discourse, tweets can be like the poster of an advocate, picketer or protester. It can be the way that a politician who represents us can simply speak out to us without having to deal with red tape, prepared speeches, and big SAT words.
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