Twitter Me This

March 19, 2009 — by Per Christensson

I recently added a definition for Twitter, the latest vogue in social networking. If you don't know about Twitter, it's an online service that allows you to stay connected with others through frequent blog posts that answer the question, "What are you doing?" You can post your own updates (a.k.a. "tweets") and follow the updates of others.

Basically, Twitter allows you to stalk others while they stalk you. And the crazy thing is, it's completely voluntary. In an age where people are so concerned about their privacy, I find it rather surprising, if not ironic, that Twitter has been so successful. For whatever reason, people seem to enjoy broadcasting the most trivial details of their day for the world to see. Whether it's doing the laundry or taking out the trash, it's important enough to twitter about.

While I don't fully understand the appeal of Twitter, I'm concerned that some users may not fully understand the effects of their twittering. I worry that some people, especially the younger generation, may twitter details about their lives they may later regret. While Twitter allows you to block your "Followers," or those who can read your updates, you never know who might see what you write. Furthermore, anything you post online is stored digitally, meaning its as good as permanent.

So whether you are twittering about your thoughts, feelings, plans, or past experiences, remember to use discretion. You'll be glad you did.