Twitter: Helpful or Harmful?

By: Chris Ryan

Has the constant barrage of information through the new social media, like Twitter, improved our life? Or are we now preoccupied with often meaningless, trivial information? After all, do we really need to know what our favorite basketball player ate for breakfast, or what an actor we like to watch in the movies thinks about the latest political debate? Are we letting other people think for us? Have tweets replaced original thoughts? Rather than speaking to each other, sitting down and discussing politics or sports over a coffee, we now resort to sending our thoughts out into the “cyber world” often without really thinking about what we are saying or the consequences of the tweets. The result is seen in tweets such as those tweets recently made about Knick player Jeremy Lin – tweets that were racially insensitive and resulted in immediate apologies and other consequences, such as work suspensions or firings.



The electronic system of communication, including Tweets, Facebook comments and text messages, has replaced the old fashion debates and discussions. And the fact that they are sent so easily and quickly has resulted in unintended consequences – just ask the politicians who send out pictures or the reporters or athletes who sent out derogatory messages.

Still, this new Global Community and stream of information, when used properly can have amazing results and really change the world. Facebook and Twitter played a huge role in the so-called Spring Arab revolutions, spurring on the movements which resulted in the downfall of harsh governments in Egypt and Libya. It is a media that can be used as a method to instantly spread news, information and knowledge. Political campaigns and candidates are finding the new media as a way to get messages to voters quickly and cheaply. Rather than spending millions of dollars on TV and radio ads, messages can be posted on web sites, people can receive tweets with updates on positions and policies, and people can interact with those formerly out of touch with the public. In New Jersey, the Governor recently engaged in a lively debate with voters on several issues. And it was not just supporters. He responded to people who opposed him and actually debated issues on Twitter.

The recent Republican presidential debates also highlight the benefits of Twitter and Facebook. Viewers were able to Tweet or send questions to the candidates, rather than listen to a list of prepared questions from the moderator. This new Global Community offers many benefits, but should be used with caution. Think before you Tweet. What do you think? Tweet me an answer! Let’s talk about it.






http://www.majalla.com/eng/2011/09/article55226471
http://current.com/technology/89900951_does-society-really-need-twitter.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-Twitter-Destroying-Society?&id=2838150