Transitions through Twitter: How Our World is Changing One Tweet at a Time

By Sydney Diercks, FSU Florence Student | Media & Communication Class

There’s no denying the influential role social media and digital technology have played in shaping the way societies communicate and connect with one another. Our increased dependence on mobile technology is largely thanks to social media platforms becoming primary sources for news, entertainment, and heightened connectivity.

One platform in particular has revolutionized each of these areas, and that would be none other than the social media giant Twitter. With over 330 million monthly active users and more than 150 million daily active users - 44% of whom are from the U.S. and between the ages of 18 and 24 - Twitter has transformed the ways in which we communicate on a daily basis. Here are 4 ways how:

1.Twitter provides Real Time Global Connection

An advantage the platform offers that differentiates it from others, is that it gives users the ability to have chronological, real-time, nearly instantaneous connection with other users globally. The immediacy behind Twitter is what attracts users to gather information, bear witness to real-time events, and respond to others within seconds. Just consider the last time Instagram was down, and how we all ran to Twitter to find #instagramdown trending, just to make sure we weren’t alone. Phew, what would we do without you, @Twitter?

2.Twitter has Become an Everyday News Source

As a result of this immediacy, Twitter has become a key source for receiving up-to-date and breaking news. By providing a low barrier to publish, Twitter has quickly become a hub for catching all the latest updates on a wide variety of topics. The 280-character limit also encourages the spread of easily digestible, easy-to-read, convenient headlines that many active users prefer. The Trending Topics and search features also make Twitter a one-stop-shop for staying updated on the latest trends and news stories.

3.Twitter facilitates the Spread of Political Messages and Campaigns

One specific area that has seen quite the evolution in how messages are created and spread through Twitter, is that of political messaging and political campaigning. Despite CEO Jack Dorsey recently banning political advertising through the platform, many politicians and public officials—especially US President Donald Trump—continue to make statements via Twitter. On a platform that can quickly inspire collective action through the sharing of information and the allowance of free speech and self-expression to the public, it’s no wonder that political advocates and activists use Twitter as a means of agenda setting and public debate unlike ever before.

4.Twitter allows Free Speech and Self-Expression

Twitter as a social platform thrives from the public conversation that is generated by active users engaging in free speech and self-expression. Features like hashtags, retweets, favorites and threads all act as tools to facilitate public discussion forums on a variety of topics. The prevalence of Twitter’s meme culture is a great example of how this self-expression has manifested over the years to create a resounding cultural impact.

5.Twitter challenges User’s Media Literacy

The transformations in how societies communicate through Twitter have inevitably led to an increased need for practising strong media literacy and discernment skills. We see this need develop as users are increasingly challenged by the rise of fake news, misinformation, not to mention the sheer volume of noise and clutter that build up on the platform. The coronavirus crisis serves as a great example where there have been numerous instances where misinformation has gone viral despite it being inaccurate. By learning how to effectively develop and implement media literacy skills, the platform encourages people to remain well-informed and capable of identifying and engaging with credible information.

Especially during difficult times such as these, when people may be separated physically, there is a comfort and solidarity knowing we can be more connected than ever, one tweet at a time.