Why People Love Twitter: In One Word
February 14, 2011 8 Comments
Back in 2009 I did a little unscientific survey on Twitter. I asked people why they use Twitter and allowed them only a one word answer. I call it super-micro-blogging. I wrote a blog post about it that was published in Social Media Today.
So last week when I was trying to think of something to write for Valentine’s Day I decided I would use the same non-scientific method to find out why people ‘love’ Twitter – - in one word, of course.
I have quite enjoyed reading all the responses, and have to say I personally love Twitter because of the instant access to a community that is willing to help me get some writing done.
I listed all the words that people gave me in a spreadsheet, sorted them, and then divided them into categories. Most responses could be boiled down to four main topics:
#1 Connection
Connection was given as a reason nearly four times as the next top reason. Along with the word connection, people used words such as camaraderie, networking, community, sharing, help, engagement, conversations, collegiality, support, and conversations.
#2 Information
People also used the word news.
#3 Speed
Several people used the word speed. The other words used were instant, instantaneous, and non-stop. I’m not quite sure why people love the speed, but I would venture to guess it has to do with finding information or getting responses to a question.
#4 Freedom
Other words used: open and Egypt.
There were also many words given once that didn’t quite fit the categories above. They included: access, authenticity, brevity, communication, desperation, entertainment, micro-blogging, precision, random, reach, requirement, shameless, simple, snark and spark.
I wondered about the person who said ‘requirement’ and asked him if he actually loved being required to use Twitter. His response was classic Twitter: “With all my #heart.”
Well said.
If your reason for loving Twitter differs from the ones above, please let me know your one word. You are equally welcome to tell me in one word why you do not like Twitter.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
About Victoria Harres
I would be fun to see what the one word people who do not use Twitter would use for not using Twitter. I wonder if any of the same words would be used?
Scot- Yes, yes. Would love to hear the non-love words. Use of some of the same words would be very interesting!
My word is spontaneity! Twitter is in real time and it’s so addictive because you get immediate responses to your questions.
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People love Twitter because it totally matches the ADD that is rampant today. Most people can’t concentrate on one task at a time these days…Twitter feeds that frenetic behavior…
the word i always hear from non-users is “stupid”
but with no justification.
Lisa – Spontaneity can be a beautiful thing.
Dee – I’m sure Twitter is part of what is causing the memory problem I spoke of on my other blog post today on Beyond PR: http://ow.ly/3Wg8S
Cassie – I hear that one a lot as well :)
microblogs are great because you can easily send out small messages or status updates .
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