Ah, Twitter… Clearly a social media phenomenon, it has taken a life of its own. Who knew that the simple phrase “What’s happening?” (I miss Rerun) and 140 characters, give or take a few, would morph into the sensation it is today… (Well, Jack probably suspected, but that’s a whole other story…) From up-to-the-minute news reports, recipes, quotes, social commentary, pictures, weather, traffic, business promotions, to what others had for lunch, there is something for everyone. While many individuals have an array of varied exclamations, proclamations, and questions presented for consideration, some repeatedly display rather annoying behavior. I submit to you the Seven Deadly Sins of Twitter…
1. You have nothing to say, but are compelled to tweet.
If you were standing in a group, and had nothing to contribute, you simply wouldn’t speak, but your presence would still be acknowledged. On Twitter, no one knows who is actually present unless they make themselves known. Some feel compelled to contribute and do so without contributing…perplexing.
2. It’s all me, me, me…with a side of me…
Twitter can be a slice of nirvana for those with narcissistic tendencies. While we all have times where we toot our own horn, and rightly so, when it is a constant bombardment of one’s greatness, it makes a person wonder who they are trying to convince…the masses or themselves?
3. You ReTweet everything.
Personally, I think the ability to RT is a great feature. I have gained valuable insight, had a good laugh, and have been introduced to some great individuals and businesses that I would have not otherwise considering the vastness of Twitterville. Conversely I have been annihilated with the same tweet over and over again…one from the originator and another from the serial Retweeters, especially the ones that retweet the same tweet multiple times. Retweeting in moderation is great, if you RT virtually everything an individual or businesses puts out there it’s just too much. If I have been made aware of them and I want to follow, great… I don’t need to vicariously follow them via someone else.
4. Option 1 or Option 2?
We all need help with purchasing decisions from time-to-time…and I’ll admit I am one of those individuals. I am amazed though that some consistently need such assistance. Do you not have some real-life (RL) friends to assist with these matters? Do you really trust whoever is available on Twitter at that given moment to lead you in the right direction? With the economy in a state of turmoil, wouldn’t it be wise to impose Option 3, saving?
5. You whine and complain often.
We all have our moments where we are cranky/sad/depressed and need an outlet to vent and sometimes we choose to tweet it out. Constant doom and gloom can start to wear on others… one can only commiserate so much. If you use Twitter has a band-aid from time-to-time, fine. If the problems are deep-rooted and often present, then another avenue or venue needs to be employed…stat.
6. You don’t read the tweets, and then ask questions.
Some dialogue on Twitter can become rather lengthy and complex. Instead of taking the time to read the exchange, some ask for a recap. You know those people, whether a friend, roommate, or family member that appear after 45 minutes of a 1-hour show and asks “what is happening?”… Yea, it’s like that…
7. Ignoring your tweeps.
Ok, so I “@” someone…no reply. If this happens occasionally it’s no big deal – sometimes the sea of Twitter is wrought with Whales, apps are crashing, they could be working/eating/sleeping/getting busy, or simply have a dead battery or no Wi-Fi. What I find perplexing is when I follow someone and they follow me but refuse to ever engage in conversation. Why? Why follow? And even if you don’t follow a person that asks you a question/congratulates you on a new job or business venture/wishes you Happy Birthday/simply commiserates with you and feels your pain, it’s polite to acknowledge that they took the time to engage with you. Isn’t that quite possibly one reason why you are on Twitter, to connect with others? And we can SEE you tweeting…
Remember, Twitter will not give you “a life”… you have to get it yourself. Don’t become too consumed and forget that there is a whole world around you…the real world. Go out and live…then tweet about it, and be kind to your fellow tweeps. ;o)