Twitter is one of the most talked about services on the web these days. The service has taken off since its inception two years ago at SXSW. The service has seen a huge spike in traffic and more than its fair shares of ups and downs. Needless to say, Twitter is all about the community and harnessing the power of the sub-communities within Twitter. Through it all, Twitter has developed a culture of its own.
The Definition of Culture
According to Wikipedia, “culture” is defined as:
“[…]generally refers to patterns of human activity and the symbolic structures that give such activities significance and importance. Cultures can be “understood as systems of symbols and meanings that even their creators contest, that lack fixed boundaries, that are constantly in flux, and that interact and compete with one another”.”
Essentially, culture is the way people within a certain group behave and interact with one another.
The Twitter Culture
Technology Enthusiasts
It’s no secret that those on Twitter interact and behave differently from other groups. For one, they might be online 24/7. That’s a huge difference in itself from the rest of the world. They’re normally heavy users of technology, especially web technology, and are on the bleeding edge of these things too. The majority of Twitter is comprised of tech related messages and innocent chatter. From web apps to software reviews, you’ll find links to them all on Twitter.
Sharing Is Caring
Never let it be said that Twitter users don’t care. They share their little hearts out every chance they get! Links from all over the web are shared on a minute by minute basis. On the same note, developers have taken advantage of all that information by aggregating the plethora of links that are shared across Twitter so that users can find the most popular links of the day or hour on Twitter. Not only do tweeters share links, but also reviews, beta invite codes, advice, stories, insults, and tons more. I’ve yet to see any credit card numbers or passwords being shared though it may be in the near future.
Vocal Advocates
Surprisingly, users of Twitter are very vocal about things. For example, take a look at the upcoming Presidential elections. I know more about the elections because of Twitter rather than because of the TV or newspapers where one would normally go to be updated on such things. Not only will they let you know what’s going on, but also how they feel about it. These are pretty passionate people too. They voice their opinions while also encouraging others to do the same. They’re always up for a tough albeit friendly debate. These are today and tomorrow’s advocates.
I’m Bored….Twitter!
Those on Twitter are also easily bored. I know that Twitter is only enhancing my ADHD, which in turn is helping me to become bored very easily. There’s so much to process on Twitter that when user streams slow down and the party ends they’re left wondering what to do next. If Twitter goes down, the world might as well have just stopped. Tweeters just don’t know what to do with themselves sometimes. They need constant entertainment because this is the very nature of Twitter and it’s what Twitter promotes.
OK, I Dugg and Shared This Article. What’s Next?
Never let it be said that Twitter doesn’t have culture. There’s so much more to the people on Twitter and a ton more to come as Twitter breaks into the masses of mainstream. Tweeters will continue to vocally share all the crazy technology that’s available, yet still have an air of boredom around them at the same time. It’s unbreakable and quite contagious. Let us know what you think defines the culture on Twitter.
