I don’t have a twitter account, nor do I have any desire to have a twitter account. I’m not against Twitter at all, and actually think great things can be accomplished through the use of Twitter, but there is nothing about Twitter that is appealing to me (or my needs in a social networking site).

Twitter usage can be put into two main categories: Status updates about personal whereabouts or feelings, or news/cause related. I am completely uninterested in the former, I get enough of that from Facebook (which I admit, I am addicted to). And even on Facebook, I’m not browsing for status updates, I’m more interested in the pictures. Maybe its because I don’t have a Blackberry, so I wouldn’t be able to tweet “at the gym” or “getting Starbucks,” I would, inevitably, always be in front of my computer… and you can only spin “In front of my computer” so many ways.

On the other hand, I see a great opportunity being opened up by Twitter and that is of news traveling faster than ever before. Celebrities and public figures are able to gain huge followings and promote supporting causes such as donating to Haiti. Twitter has provided people with a  platform to do things that previously either couldn’t have been accomplished or at least not in the magnitude that is possible today.

 Not too long ago getting your work “published” was something to be really proud of, now all you have to do is push a button, and ta-da! Published! It is now easier than ever to start your own blog, get your own website, run your own online business, sell products online, and publish your thoughts.

With the internet expanding and the creation of sites like WordPress the internet is our oyster. We are free to do (almost) anything we want on this new platform. People like me, who know nothing about coding or HTML can start up a site that looks just as legit a the next one. Internet entreprenurship is booming and I can’t wait to explore its posibilities.

I remember the days when news traveled via phone call and parents couldn’t check up on their children via online photo album. But my younger brothers likely don’t. Facebook has become a worldwide networking system, but also a new tool for parents.

Thankfully, my parents haven’t joined the world of facebook, but more than one of my friends have gone through the dilemma of  ”crap, my mom just friend requested me!” I’m glad I haven’t experienced this, not because I don’t want them to know what I’m up to, but becasue I like to preserve at least some sence of privacy, even if it is a false sence.

Nowadays, if a parents child is tagged in a photo from “January 6th” and that child was supposed to be somewhere completly different – busted. If the kid is listed in a relationship with someone dad doesnt approve of – busted. Not only will parents track their childrens activity but they can check on on their childrens friends and if a friend comments on their wall and says a dirty word the parents will likely no longer be fond of the friend.

In a sence this is good because it will theoretically regulate the bahavior of our children, but on the other hand, how far will this go? Do we have anything left that is private? I suppose, as long as it isn’t on facebook.