My Twitter Story: Why I Use Twitter

I noticed that the folks at Obvious are asking Twitter users to 'tell their story' to help them understand Twitter better. They ask, "Why Do You Use Twitter?"

Being connected is becoming the best way to be effective in the brave new webified world. By tapping into and supporting the passions and drivers of a swirling, ever-changing network of people, I am made better. I am made stronger, smarter, and deeper, and more together in a way that I could not be, on my own.

There is an African saying that says it is through other people that we become people.

Twitter helps us become more human, in a time when it is more important than ever before to see us as connected on this Earth, not separate; linked together, not divided; to see ourselves as elements of a whole that is greater than any, and all, of the individual parts.

Twitter is about hope and love, although the casual observer might miss that completely.

Comments

[David Cushman]

You put is so much more succinctly than I.
For me, twitter represents the best illustration yet of how fuzzy-edged self-forming communities of interest continuously bubble and burst around ever evolving purposes. The complex adaptive system of conversations meets that of economics. And it all gets very exciting.
At length here: http://fasterfuture.blogspot.com/2008/04/death-of-death.html

[phil]

;)

http://www.eightfatswine.com/View.aspx?bid=9

[Dan York]

Stowe,
Very eloquent and inspiring statement. Back in December I wrote a much longer piece about why I use Twitter... but here you have a great succinct summary of all of that. Well done!

Thanks for the inspiration today,
Dan

[DDeeps]

Beautiful. Loved this story.

In Indian thought, a similar sentiment to the African one is shared in the concept of Vasudeva Kutumbakam (the whole world is one family)

[Hunee]

Wow.... *drop jaw* I think twitter made me look at people from different areas of the world far better than what I used to think about them before..Although it may not be physical but somehow it helps me think of who they are and the level of respect rises as I began to converse with them..

thanks for showing...

[Chris Osborne]

Powerful stuff. I came to twitter thinking it was just about triviality because of the simplicity of the question being asked. I underestimated the power/value of the collective, open, conversation (and the ability of the collective to use the platform in a myriad of interesting and innovative ways). And of the community/relationship building potential of the medium. I find that it's a totally new and different way to absorb information and new ideas, as well as to be part of the conversation. Twitter does get dissed by many (and is totally unknown to the majority), but I think it comes down to how you use it. It's a classic example of something where you get out what you put in. You chose what twitter does/is for you. It'll be interesting to see the output of the "Why I use Twitter" question, and to see if there are any great examples of it's benefit.

[Cormac Heron]

I love the African quote. Funny how the remotest places are on the money.