What is Twitter ?

Understanding Twitter

Most people know that Twitter is a micro-blogging network of real-time posts that are limited to 140 characters or less, but few people understand how they might benefit from Twitter. The truth is Twitter is used by many people for many different things. So what is Twitter and why should you care?

Today's Twitter is now less focused on “What are you doing?” and more about “What’s going on?” It has emerged as a source for discovery with a focus on sharing relevant information and engaging in conversation. Many people now think of Twitter as a news source rather than a social network, using it for networking and discussion based on their own interests.

Since launching in 2006, Twitter has seen incredible growth as more people discover its usefulness. According to a survey from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, 15% of people online use Twitter (up from 8% in 2010), with usage doubling among users age 25-44.

In addition, 65% of users only check the site for updates once or twice a week. If you join Twitter, there's no pressure to spend hours tweeting or trying to gain followers. In fact, you don’t even have to join the conversation. You can simply follow your interests and get information whenever you want without ever composing any tweets.