Why do you tweet?

     The uses and gratifications theory states that audiences actively choose to consume media that suits their specific needs. Media can meet needs in all aspects of life, from the acquisition of new knowledge, to social interaction, to simple enjoyment and diversion. Various factors play a role in determining what media an audience consumes and what needs an audience is meeting when doing so. One important factor is time, a variable that can greatly affect media consumption as new media is developed and as the audience's life situation changes. Depending on when and what is needed, media is sought out in different and constantly fluctuating ways.

(twitter.com)

     Twitter, a micro-blogging site used heavily by both everyday citizens and public figures, perfectly demonstrates the uses and gratifications theory of media exposure. Like any form of media, Twitter started small, but it took the world by storm and became a viable way for people to satisfy their media needs. On the outset, Twitter is clearly a means of social exchange between friends, providing an easy way to exchange brief thoughts and replies. However, people can also access Twitter to satisfy their needs for information and pure entertainment. Nearly every major news source is now linked to Twitter, giving users a one stop shop for all the headlines (and links to longer articles) they could ask for. In the entertainment spectrum, there is no doubt that celebrities provide a daily dose of diversion for countless Twitter users. Whether they are promoting their latest movie or simply being themselves,  for all the world to see, celebrities on Twitter can certainly give less prominent users a break from their day. Some may use Twitter to satisfy all of these needs in one blow, while others may keep to Twitter to satisfy one need and seek out different outlets to satisfy others. It's up to the individual person to decide how to use it, but Twitter is certainly a place to obtain media of many forms in day to day life.