More than just a home for breaking news and Bieber babble, Twitter has become a modern-day agora. University of Georgia assistant professor of telecommunications Itai Himelboim worked with the Pew Research Center and Social Media Research Foundation on analysis that revealed users of the social media behemoth interact with each other in patterns that fall into just six categories.
1. Polarized Crowds
#echochamber
Fueled mostly by politically charged tweeters, these conversations are made up of large groups who tweet to each other but completely ignore the opposing side. Each group links to certain news sources and uses its own hashtags.
You fall here if: You gab with fellow followers of @bwbblog but wouldn’t dare tweet at @PeachPundit. Or vice versa.
BWB: This headline says it all, “Georgia Unveils New Slogan-We Make Florida Look Safe” http://t.co/C2NGy28npE #gapol #gunseverywhere
— Blogging While Blue (@bwbblog) April 24, 2014
2. Tight Crowds
#bestfriendsforever
Just the opposite: These groups always chat with each other and share resources. Think of it as a hobby club, digitized.
You fall here if: You love talking about your home-grown lettuce with fresh foodies such as @GeorgiaOrganics or @TLWUrbanAg. Or you’re a total walker stalker and follow fan outlets such as @WalkingDeadArmy.
More awesome chicken farming Field Trip videos! Here’s @gapasturedbirds on his smart brooder house watering system: http://t.co/BBMqz7I5dz
— Georgia Organics (@GeorgiaOrganics) April 8, 2014
3. Brand Clusters
#productplacement
If you’ve ever tweeted about a TV show you watch, the soda you slurp, or the device you tap away on, you’ve likely fallen into this category. These users mention specific brands but don’t connect with others on the subject.
You fall here if: You sometimes feel compelled to inform the world your @SPANX are riding up.
Real talent is taking off your #Spanx and high heels in rush hour traffic.
— Jennifer Aspen (@JenniferCAspen) April 24, 2014
4. Community Clusters
#tellmemore
Once people start talking about brands to others, they form tiny groups. These clusters also pop up during big news events.
You fall here if: You shared snarky suggested logos for the Cobb County–bound #Barves when the team announced its big move, or you swapped #Hothlanta stories with folks stranded during #Snowpocalypse.
I’m as excited about #atl getting a MLS team as I am irritated by the Braves leaving Turner field.
— Erica Wright (@eawright) April 24, 2014
5. Broadcast Networks
#breaking
For many, tweets provide the daily news. Followers of Twitter’s many “broadcasters” retweet and spread their messages but rarely interact with others who follow the same accounts.
You fall here if: You’re a news outlet churning out the day’s stories, such as @wsbtv or @cl_atlanta, or a personality with a big following, such as CNN’s @DrSanjayGupta.
Naked man breaks into home wearing nothing but cowboy hat (we can’t make this stuff up) – @MPetchenikWSB reports: http://t.co/w17GQV3BNO
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) April 1, 2014
6. Support Networks
#helpme
Many companies set up Twitter handles to serve as digital customer service agents. Support networks speak directly to the people they assist, but those frustrated customers aren’t striking up conversations with one another.
You fall here if: You’re one of the poor souls at @DeltaAssist trying to help frazzled passengers rebook canceled flights.
@AndyGroller I’m terribly sorry about the extended wait. We’re working to have you on your way ASAP. Pls continue to bear with us. *TN
— Delta Assist (@DeltaAssist) May 1, 2014
This article originally appeared in our June 2014 issue.
