Twitting

I think the most interesting aspect of the twitter assignment was that I got to know my classmates, and reveal something about myself to them, in an online format. I really don't know anyone yet, so for me it was a new way to start a relationship. (Never got into online dating.) Usually I deal with either strangers, or people I already know, when I go online.

I like that twitter requires everyone to get to the point, and also that no one gets to dominate the discussion. Each tweet is as valid or meaningful as any other. On the other hand, it seems dangerously easy to say something inappropriate, or socially iffy. I initially wrote something in response to someone's question about David Letterman, and then deleted it because I just don't want to go out on a limb when it comes to a controversial topic like adultery. Part of it is just that I'm joining a new group of colleagues, so maybe it's not relevant to twitter per se.

This exercise has shown me at least the positive potential of a web 2.0 tool in the context of an already defined educational community. I can't imagine I would get into twittering with the world at large, but who knows.