5 Reasons Twitter makes you a better person

April 13, 2011 11 comments Buffer

Twitter teaches me to care in a new way

It was something I have asked myself a lot recently: Can a Social Media Tool, as powerful as Twitter might be really help you with personal development and make you a better person?

The short answer I concluded: Yes, it most certainly can. Here are 5 reasons that make me think it does:

 

1.) Everything is public – Being nasty can backlash.

Twitter’s openness is the first and foremost reason I believe it makes as better and nicer people to converse with.

We can develop a manner of appearance where even though it will not happen very often, we are prepared that everyone can see and follow your conversations.

It taught me that being open to no matter what sort of tweet shows up in my stream will bring me to far more places than I ever imagined. Twitter’s openness is a big winner here I think.

 

2.) Sharing is caring – I mean it

It is a reason some might even classify as childish, yet the ability to share what we found helpful is definitely something that makes me more attentive as a person on Twitter.

Now, that we can even tell everyone who it was that created this great piece of text, video or picture lies at the heart of developing a skill to care for others and their work.

 

3.) At Twitter no one is in charge – Jump in whenever you want

Well technically there is ;). Yet, what I mean is there is no boundary for you to become part of the Twitter family.

It is something I will never get tired of saying or writing about. A system that allows everyone to be treated as equal individuals is definitely another reason Twitter helps us to learn more about human interaction.

What counts are the conversations and relationships we are building. That’s all.

It’s also interesting to note that unlike FB, where newcomers are starting out with a disadvantage because of the algorithm of status updates this is not existent on Twitter.

No matter how long ago you have joined, there is nothing holding you back from starting conversations right away.

 

4.) Meet an incredible amount of different people

On Twitter the feeling that the whole world is a village is more prominent than anywhere else. The instantaneousness of the service allows us to meet more people than anywhere else given a short space of time.

More encounters means more opportunities to learn about people and human relations. It’s definitely a winner in making us a better person. The understanding for others can only increase in that way.

 

5.) There is no right way

The reasons we are on Twitter are so diverse that the question “What is the best way to use Twitter” can happily remain unanswered.

In this way it teaches us a great deal about respect for what others are up to and which goals they might pursuing with using Twitter.

It is another reason that creates a deep connection for me to stay with Twitter for a very long time.

 

How about you?

Do you think Twitter has helped you becoming a better person yet? Are there other reasons that play a big role for you here?

Let me know below! :)

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Hi, I'm Leo, Co-Founder of Buffer, a new way to Tweet and share Facebook posts smarter and with more impact. Here, I share tips about getting more out of Facebook and Twitter. You can subscribe to my Facebook updates or follow me. I would love to connect.

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  • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

    I think social media in general (twitter being a great example) really forces you to put your best foot forward. You do that enough times and for a long time, it just might stick :-)

    So yeah…I whole heartedly agree.

  • http://twitter.com/LeoWid Leo Widrich

    Yes, I couldn’t agree more. You kind of get into being a nice person and gradually you end up being a better person even when you are not on Twitter! Exactly my thinking.

    Thanks for your comment Dino, much appreciated :)

  • http://twitter.com/ThomasIlk Thomas Ilk

    I buffered the bufferapp post. (Sorry I couldn’t resist)

    Great post and absolutely true.

  • http://twitter.com/LeoWid Leo Widrich

    Haha, thanks Thomas, glad you did it! :)

    Yep, Twitter really is an amazing place to be to learn more about ourselves and the connections we are building isn’t it?

    Thanks again for stopping by man, good to see you here :).

  • PRFocused

    Great tool for learning, listening, participating and leading!

  • Mukweto

    It Forces me to think before I tweet and speak…because its all public…all recorded…Because a takes a lifetime to build character and reputation it only takes a moment to destroy it.

  • http://twitter.com/LeoWid Leo Widrich

    Hi Mukweto,

    Spot on comment there. Exactly, love the quote “takes a lifetime to build – takes a second to destroy it”.

    Twitter really teaches us to look after what we are saying and before we know it we even behave better whilst we are not on Twitter! :)

    Thanks for stopping by!

  • http://twitter.com/LeoWid Leo Widrich

    Yea, well summed up! Doing all 4 things in just one place is another great reason it makes us better people, thanks for the contribution :).

  • Daniel Hughes

    I used to with TweetMeme, Tweetly, TweetDeck but after reading this article I really like the Bufferapp. I am really thankful for giving me latest ideas of social networking, specially in Twitter…

    Please visit: http://www.pccarencure.com for any kind of Tech Support Online.

  • http://twitter.com/LeoWid Leo Widrich

    Hi Daniel,

    Thanks for your comment. Wow, so great to hear that you find Buffer interesting and really glad the article was helpful too.

    Sure, we have more tips posted every week, hope to see you around more often! :)

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