Why Twitter Doesn't Matter

Twitter was my first social media love. 15 years ago, I remember the day! I logged on and promptly had no idea what I was doing. But I stuck around, figured stuff out along with everyone else, and 8000  followers later (give or take) I had found myself immersed in a network of communication, conversation, and camaraderie. 

But Twitter doesn’t matter. 

I’ve made new friends. I’ve chatted with celebrities! I’ve helped friends raise much-needed funds for charities (to the tune of $100,000!). I’ve gotten jobs. It’s been a remarkable ride so far and it has literally changed my life in many ways. 

But Twitter doesn’t matter. 

Mired in controversy over Elon Musk’s takeover, the platform has evolved (devolved?) into a confusing mishmash of last will and testaments, emotional pleas, and bargaining. Some people have just cashed in their chips and left. Others (like me) are sticking around to see what happens. Others seem to be carrying on without a care in the world (kudos to them!). 

But Twitter doesn’t matter. 

This platform, this gathering place, this…tool. It doesn’t matter. Why? Not because of all it’s done for people. But because it’s just that. A tool in the toolbox. There are many, many tools out there. 

What matters is not the tool you use, it’s how you use it and what you do with it that ultimately wins the game. As many friends as I’ve made on Twitter, I’ve made plenty on other platforms too. Heck, I’ve gotten clients from the comments sections of blog posts! It’s not the tool. It’s not the tool! 

Plenty of people are moving around to other places now. Mastodon seems popular, as do some others. It’s always intriguing to check out other social media tools, and it’s particularly important to me to understand what’s happening in the social media landscape - it’s part of my job. But other than a passing glance inside the new networks, I’m finding myself not overly interested in getting on another social media platform just yet. It just seems like work. I mean it took me 15 years to get a handle on Twitter for Pete’s sake! Who has the time? 

This whole Twitter fiasco has really helped me go back to basics. Do you want to get on social media, personally or professionally? What is the desired outcome? Start there. Explore. Learn. Engage with others. But remember, Twitter doesn’t matter. In fact, no platform in and of itself really matters. What matters is what you do with the tools.