Twitter

Positives

• Good form of distribution as it’s easier to spread ideas, information and content. You’re able to link websites to distribute more. This is easier to distribute to a wide audience. As well as being a fantastic form of marketing, as you can alert to your community of followers, making the news/website/business go viral.
• Twitter is the first draft of news, as many rumours start there first.
• It’s an easy way to search for topics you’re interested in. A personalised newsfeed allows you to follow the most interesting people with the most interesting information. It’s a great aid to find information.
• Users are able to agree or disagree with what everyone is saying. You receive an instant reaction and are able to share and discuss. It allows anyone in, generating user content, letting us have our say.
• There is a lot more humour, and it much more personal. Twitter allows use to engage and be entertained.
• A recognised name attracts a lot of followers, to increase their popularity and publicity. As well as linking celebrities with fans. For example, Sir Alan Sugar received a lot of positive feelings due to his kindness during the Great Ormond Street robbery. http://www.thenationalstudent.com/News/2012-12-19/Ormond_Street_Theft__Apprentice_Boss_says_send_me_the_bill.html
• There is a lot of attention on topics which were barely covered by the news. You can search a particular keyword, which will display many views and a lot of information about the topic.
• Communities form themselves around particular issues, people, events and much more. This is good for celebrities and topics such as Joseph Kony.

Negatives

• A lot of bullying on the internet can have harsh consequences. Victims can be targeted by a celebrity’s community of fans and followers, after they hurl abuse at the certain celebrity.  There is also a lot of abuse between celebrities, such as Chris Brown deleting his Twitter after a feud with comedian Jenny Johnson relating to his attack on Rihanna. http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/11/26/chris-brown-twitter-rihanna/
• Twitter challenges the media, leaving newspapers rendered useless. They are in competition as the internet works faster than newspapers, as well as it being free of charge, whereas newspapers are attempting to charge for their content.