As you probably have already heard, Twitter has become a social networking phenomenon since its inception in 2006.  In addition to being an online social networking service, Twitter is also a micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, known as “tweets.”  Hashtags and what is “trending” on Twitter has become part of popular lingo, and there are currently over 300 million users worldwide. I asked Juniata students their thoughts on Twitter, especially in comparison to the ubiquitous Facebook:

Matt Fritz ’12, Allentown, Pa.: “As a Communication POE and future journalist, it is important for me to be a part of the Twitter community and to build relationships through Twitter. I use it every day, and in comparison to Facebook, Twitter is less personal. My favorite hashtags currently are #Linsanity, #Jets, and #JCBaseball12.”

Ceth Parker ’12, Sabillasville, Md.: “I don’t use Twitter because it doesn’t seem relevant to my life, and I spend too much time on Facebook and stumbleupon already.”

Val Deraville ’12, Maplewood, N.J.: “I got a Twitter because I wanted to see what the fuss was all about. I feel like Twitter is more about short updates and what’s on your mind. Facebook is a place where I can put up pictures and talk with my friends that aren’t near me.”

Rob Schultz ’12, Philadephia, Pa.: “I don’t use Twitter because Facebook covers all my social networking needs. Twitter seems more celebrity-based to me, and I think Facebook is better because it is based on my life and my relationships.”

Holly Brandes ’12, State College, Pa.: “I like it better than Facebook because it’s more entertaining and a fun way to talk with my friends. My favorite hashtag is #sorrynotsorry.”

–Jenny Wang ’12, Juniata Online Journalist