I am not Twittering!
Posted By Sidney on April 28, 2009
When I checked my email the other day I noticed that Debra Worthy was following me on Twitter. My mouth dropped in surprise almost like the time I learned that @God was following me, but this time it was my sister. A baby boomer who began to actively use the Internet a year or so ago, Debra had somehow found her way into Twittermania. So, I said to her, “Oh My! Who led you to Twitter? Was it @Oprah? @Aplusk?” She replied, “No. Mom did. She’s been following the Tweetettes on the View.”
Once again the strength of celebrity Twitter use is made evident. My sister is on Twitter because my 75-year-old mother heard about it (from celebrities that she trusts) and was compelled to convince her daughter that she should Tweet. I couldn’t wait to call my mom to get the scoop. She called today and I offered my typical salutation, “What are you up to?” She replied with a well rehearsed, “I am not Twittering! I am not Twittering! I don’t want all those people following me!” No, she’s not Twittering but the mere fact that an older adult who has never owned or used a computer has heard of Twitter, knows what it is, and can use it properly in a sentence speaks volumes for the influence of celebrity Tweeps. It also reveals the community organizing potential of this influence – getting people who are otherwise “digital immigrants” to sign up (or get others to sign up), learn the jargon, and then act.
Here’s the question – How can celebrity influence on Twitter affect social issues that are in need of very complex solutions?
my grandfather is a baby boomer and i am quite proud of his longevity all these years*”~