Twitter- Can Something that Formed Suddenly and Changes Constantly be Stable?
Twitter, a social media platform where the user’s posts — or “tweets” — are limited to 140 characters has contributed to the rise in digital short-hand. Despite the platform’s unique“atmosphere” in comparison to Facebook or Instagram’s, it is not immune to losing it’s luster to users. Twitter has branded itself as the way to make an assertion or share a thought to the world on the web. This branding is so strong that the posts aren’t even called posts, they’re “tweets,” crossing over their brand to nouns and verbs (“tweeting”) furthers their strength.
Yet, as MySpace as an perfect example, Twitter is not invincible to the fickleness of the public. As soon as something we deem as “better” or “more necessary” is created, that will become our choice despite the strength of the brand. This is the nature of digital tools and technology, innovation surpasses another invention.
Twitter was created in 2006. Today, the social media platform is 10 years old. This greatly surprises me. For one, I can’t believe 2006 was 10 years ago- and for two, how is it still here? Has nothing in 10 years fully enveloped the functions of Twitter and then exceed it?
As a non-user, I thought Twitter was obsolete 4 years ago. This was because I found the purpose of sharing a quick thought that I am not able to fully explain within 140 characters strange. Yet, this 140 character limit is a part of the Twitter brand, ensuring that their platform is an atmosphere of quick (usually underdeveloped) assertions or thoughts. I feel, that this environment encourages people to share without thinking because no explanation is required because it is not expected.
I would say that Twitter will easily dissolve on it’s own when the users find an new attraction, but really, Twitter will dissolve when the influential people (celebrities, etc) on Twitter find an new outlet and their fans will follow. This brings about one reason why Twitter is still popular: celebrities. Fans love “following” their favorite actors or sports star on Twitter because they get access to that random up to date personal thought they probably wouldn’t of gotten on say Facebook where the person would feel more compelled to have more of a purpose in posting.
In conclusion, Twitter is stable as long as long as people give it a reason to be existing and as long as something else isn’t around to better suit their needs.
