I recently went to a friend’s place for dinner (they had all of their work mates over) we shared many glasses of wine and some how got onto the topic of twitter and “how stupid it is” and how “it’s for people with too much time on their hands”.
Granted, it can be used to waste time, I actually find myself gradually using it less and also using it for different reasons to what I used to use it for. That being said, I believe Twitter has changed the way we access News forever… and we owe it a lot of credit for that at least.
So here are two ways (I thought I’d keep this short and sweet) that you can use twitter… for those who still think it’s a stupid website for people with too much time on their hands!
1. News
How it works
• People from all over the world can upload photos, videos and comments instantly, documenting on the ground accounts, experiences or opinions
• By using a hashtag (like for example #iranelection) users can see all comments, images and videos relating specifically to this subject, LIVE, as they happen
Drawbacks
• As the news comes in from witness accounts that are not verified sources information can be wrong or biased
Advantages
• Large amounts of information can be used to develop a more balanced perspective
• Information is instant (I.e. Faster than traditional news outlets)
• Twitter is virtually impossible to censor – in places such as Iran or China where the government have strict controls on news content, twitter is a very powerful information source
2. Finding answers/recommendations
How it works
• I have found answers to some techy problems I’ve had before and I’ve often ‘background checked’ a company or asked for referrals
• Only works if you have followers that have expertise/are located in your area and the desire to answer your question
Drawbacks
• Your followers might just recommend their shoddy mate
Advantages
• You can get the answer to those niggling questions almost instantly
What do you think? Waste of time or useful tool? Drop me a comment
