SOCIAL networking has become a real force in our lives over the past five years. In fact, it is difficult for many to imagine their lives without any force of connectively to the outside world, expressing your feelings worldwide. However, some guy from the Netherlands doesn’t want to know if you are about to have a ham sandwich!
I, myself, had three social networking options, before deleting my MySpace account last summer. I had only used it once after leaving college, which was the primary reason why I had one in the first place. When I went to college in 2007, I was encouraged to join MySpace; just as the Facebook revolution was beginning (I had joined Facebook in July 2007.) I wanted to convert everyone to the Facebook way of thinking and with mission accomplished at the end of my two years studying media production, I felt quite satisfied. Despite the recent takeover by Justin Timberlake, don’t expect MySpace to be popular. In fact, I’d rather read The Sun newspaper, and those who know me know how much I despise that newspaper.
Facebook may have an integral part in how we go about life, though I’m not one of those who will meet someone new in a bar; then go ‘I’ll Facebook you!’ What is going on with today’s English language system when that is said. The stupid people could think, ‘oh yay, my face will appear in a book!’ It’s a ridiculous term! Plus, why do you need to poke people. Who wants to do that?
I used to really not get the point of Twitter, which is the other social network that really has taken off in the past four years. Since its launch in 2006, it is gradually drawing alongside Facebook in popularity. TV programmes and presenters certainly seem to prefer the ‘tweet’ indicator and understandable, when you have to round it off in 140 characters. A Facebook status could simply turn into a lengthy, waffle essay. I’d prefer to eat my Birds Eye Potato Waffles rather than read waffle, but I guess people have their differences of opinion. I reluctantly joined Twitter as part of an assignment I had to do in my first year at the University of Northampton (2009/10). I didn’t want to; in fact, I couldn’t see much point in it. My first thought of Twitter was; “Another place to go and stalk those celebrities.” Why don’t you get posters and lick them, at least you could kiss them, can’t really do that with a computer screen! Actually, as it turns out, I’m finding Twitter to be such a useful source of information.
Having used it sporadically to keep an eye on the 2010 General Election in this country, I have grown into using it every day, tweeting on a regular basis and moving my website updates from FB onto Twitter. It might be a narrower audience, but more people might be more interested in what you are blogging about. Some people on my University course are like me; they love using it. Others don’t get the point of it and do not bother and some don’t tweet, but still find it very newsworthy at least. I’d say at least 60 per cent of the 115 people I follow are news organisations, magazines or significant leading figures in journalism. Of course, there is the odd celebrity you want to keep a check on; such as Jimmy Carr, Nicole Scherzinger, Barack Obama, Katy Perry, Jake Humphrey and Fearne Cotton, who are some of the people I follow. Even I have 51 followers, including ITV Anglia the topical news show 10 O’clock Live and Nick Clegg! That last one is embarrassing, so I save my Clegg opinions for the dartboard; to be released in some year around Christmas time.
Twitter has become an invaluable source and gives you an interesting uptake in life, so for me, it’s valuable and very useful. I predict its popularity will just continue to increase and as far as I’m concerned, that’s a good thing.
“why do people explode over X-Factor, it's just a TV show - nobody died....”
“is expecting a lot, but feels it will deliver very little.”
“a beer and MOTD. Good times!”
“actions speak louder than words.”
“oh dear, looks like he missed a 'Nando!' Don't mean the restaurant either lol!”
“and the worst miss in Prem history goes to Nando. El Nino shud hav scored with his eyes shut: at least he will hav somethin named for him.”
“thoughts are with the families of the miners who have lost their lives in Wales. Such a tragic story.”
“this is the point where I wished money grew on trees. . .”
“10 years on today from USA's darkest day. My thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones on this poignant day. RIP”
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