Don’t get me wrong I’m addicted, no really! It’s been a revelation for me has Twitter, and I’ve only been using it about 18 months. I started quite cheekily as a way of engaging people with the Culture Vulture, and have now come to the point where my time on twitter can have the effect of leaving me screaming with rage, or can turn my day from dull to inspirational. All because of the amazing/irritating/daft/supply your own words/ people who use it as a way of connecting with the world (or in some cases bleating their egotistical one way tweets as if stuck in a sound proofed booth)
I’ve seen all sorts of great and dreadful behaviour, from the early days when people referred back to the people they took inspiration from, (seems to happen less these days) to people spatting, to people having an idea seeing it take hold and fill an event within minutes. I’ve witnessed a rise of what I call ‘flag planting’, which seems to be a way of taking ownership of something, in order to signal ‘I was here first’. I’ve enjoyed watching some serious flirting, some dreadful drivel, some thought provoking conversations, and so much more. As an inquisitive person it feeds me, and repels me! Yet I cannot stay away!
As for myself, I would say I’ve pretty much done all of the above from time to time too, except the flirting bit of course, unless you count the childish twitter tendency I have to tug people’s hair a bit (that was my favourite method of getting boyfriends at primary school…) I self censor more than you would ever guess, I keep schtum about the direct messages that say something contra to the tweet someone has made…I’ve noticed myself getting envious, bitter, and fearful of the future somedays.
In short my behaviour over the 18 months has changed! I’m addicted, I prioritise being on twitter and all the benefits it brings over eating some days!
I asked some friends on twitter (I don’t like the cult like word ‘follower’)
How long have you been on Twitter? Have you seen a change in your behaviour on here, or in that of others? Here are some answers. Fancy expanding your thoughts in the comments box below, which allows for a rather more nuanced/descriptive response than 14o characters
To see this as a bigger picture click here
Since June with enthusiasm since attending one of Emma’s Secret Socials on it – and since the start of the Whatifleeds consultation. It takes me back to Leeds Alternative Paper and Northern Star days- I agree with comment of andyjameshicks who says twitter shows that the left of centre exists. Its great way of finding twin souls and instant feedback – especially for freelancers and people working on their own. Twitter is full of all the people in the office that you like! The virtual office.Trouble is for me is that I am already working in an office in a big organisation – and keeping up with the third dimension is doing my head in a bit! I need face to face contact as well so don’t forget the #LeedsArtsFuture 2030 Open Space at Dysons Chambers on 13th January. It needs you twitterers to help shape the future as well as the past 5 minutes! Lovely to break off and chat! Happy New Year and be patient with this learner tweeter.