Quotation:
“In some ways, however, it is the limits placed on user-creators that generate unique opportunities for narration and self-narration,” (Page 41).
Comment:
This sentence refers to Twitter’s limits on word count. The original word limit was 140 words, but they recently changed it to 280 words. Twitter created these limits to be unique from other social media platforms. The limits have positive outcomes such as pushing users to compact their thoughts and messages. I personally have never used Twitter, but I have used Instagram. There is the option to add a caption, and I have had difficulty trying to think of an appropriate one for the picture(s) I am posting. I would spend too much time trying to think of words to go with the images. However, with Twitter, I assume it is different. Twitter is primarily text, with occasional images or gifs, which is a different way of communicating. Posting a picture, or pictures, is a way of showing a certain period in time; reflecting action. Twitter gives the option of posting a picture with text, or just text, or just an image. It also provides a place for people to agree and disagree with one another. ReTweeting is a way people can show their opinions. Messages can also be shared to people who do not have Twitter which is a clever way to reach others who do not choose to have the social media platform. Social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram let users document their posts, almost creating a portfolio (termed “profile” most of the time). The words “narration” and “self-narration” relate to the storytelling of social media. One can manipulate the story they want to tell. A common anxiety of social media users is missing out. One person may represent their life as fun and stress-free, when in reality, that is only a portion of their lives. They are able to choose what they share with the public.
Question:
Is Twitter or Instagram a more effective social media platform to get across a serious message? Or is that more of a subjective question?
