Twitter: A Useless "Fad" or Useful Tool?

Twitter. People are going crazy over this thing. Celebrities, politicians, and millions of average people all over the world are using it. Keeping people updated about what you are doing every second of your life is all the rage in today's society. Your friends can know how you are feeling and where you are going in no time, just by looking at your Twitter post. Some people may think that Twitter is an amazing social networking tool, part blog, part chat room, just about as amazing as the invention of the wheel. Others may think that it is for people who either have nothing else to do with their time, want to make themselves seem important or busy, or want to stalk celebrities and the like by knowing their every action. No matter your opinion, Twitter is quickly becoming the new internet phenomenon, like Facebook and Myspace.

Is there really any value in using Twitter? Some would say yes. They argue that it is a great way to pass on breaking news quickly. The attached article states that the Hudson River plane crash was first reported by someone who witnessed it and "tweeted" their reaction. It can also be a handy tool if you need advice on something. Your followers may be able to give their two cents on a certain topic once you "tweet" it. Of course, Twitter lets your friends know what you are doing, which can be useful when setting up meetings or get-togethers.

Others would say that Twitter is pointless and has no value to anyone. Critics agree that Twitter, with its limited options, is just a fad and will not have the staying power of facebook or myspace. While facebook can be seen as a networking tool, Twitter exists just for people who are bored and need something to occupy themselves. Who really needs to know what others are doing throughout the day (especially people you do not know personally?) Now I can not say that all Twitter users do this...some actually "tweet" insightful, informative, and useful things. Maybe Twitter needs to mature for a little bit and improve on its base. Only time will tell whether or not Twitter will survive in the social networking scene.