Understanding Twitter
Most people know that Twitter is a micro-blogging network of real-time posts that are limited to 140 characters or less, but few people understand how they might benefit from Twitter. The truth is Twitter is used by many people for many different things
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Twitter's Evolution
Twitter has a reputation for being a tool for the self-centered and narcissistic. The general perception is that people are posting, and unless you are a celebrity, few people are listening. There are even numerous YouTube videos and Late-Night comedians that have done parodies making fun of Twitter. However, that is all beginning to change.
Today's Twitter is now less about “What are you doing?” and more about “What’s going on?” It has emerged as a source for discovery with a focus on sharing relevant information and engaging in conversation. People now use it more for networking, searching and discussion based on their own very specific interests. Even Twitter itself now claims that it is a "news source" rather than a "social network."
Since launching in 2006, Twitter has seen incredible growth as more people discover its usefulness. According to a survey from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, 13% of people online use Twitter (up from 8% in 2010), with usage doubling among users age 25-44.
In addition, 65% of users only check the site for updates once or twice a week. So, if you join Twitter, there is no pressure to spend hours tweeting your life away trying to gain thousands of followers. In fact, you don’t even have to join the conversation. You can always just follow your interests and get information whenever you want without ever composing any Tweets.
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