The Next Big Social Media Phenomenon
Fans of social media have an interesting time ahead of them, as Facebook hits the peak of its popularity and starts getting some serious competition from Twitter.
Launched in 2004, Facebook now reportedly has more than a billion users from all over the globe, and it is one of the most popular sites in the world. However, Twitter, launched by Jack Dorsey in 2006, now has 500 million users and is starting to gain on Facebook.
The primary difference between the two sites is that Twitter is comprised mainly of short messages called ‘tweets’, which makes it an easy website to use on the go.
“If we do something, we tweet about it,” said UHS Freshman Sophie Diers, “In cross country I would always tweet about the meets, so all my other friends could read about them.”
If Facebook wants to close the gap, it’s going to need to come up with some new material. One possibility is a greater use of translation on Facebook, allowing someone to talk to people who don’t even speak the same language as them. Another change Facebook could make would be an addition of some of the features of Twitter.
“It would be cool if you could shop and share the stuff you’ve bought using Facebook,” UHS Freshman Willie Powers said.
If the race between the sites continues, it could start to incorporate all sorts of new and bigger technology.
“Someday, it might be possible to access Facebook with your thoughts,” said UHS Language Teacher Tom Neal, “People who wear glasses might be able to take a picture with their glasses.”
Even as Twitter and Facebook prepare to face off, other sites have been gaining popularity too. Photo sharing sites in particular have started to edge into the social media market. Instagram, launched in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, has attracted a lot of the same fanbase as Twitter. It allows photo sharing on several sites, including its own.
Other up-and-coming sites include Pinterest and Reddit. Pinterest is another photo sharing site whose motto is to “connect everyone in the world through the ‘things’ they find interesting.” Reddit is a social news and entertainment site that has everything from pictures of bunnies to pictures of Doctor Who.
Some students feel that these sites have a brighter future than Twitter or Facebook. “I really feel like Reddit has got its hand on the pulse of the internet,” said UHS Freshman Jared Hatcher.
At present, it seems more likely that Twitter and Facebook, which are usable for different things, are both going to remain in the public eye for a long time yet. The biggest question is what they will do and what they will add to their sites as they struggle to get an edge on each other. Who knows what new technology could come into play?
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