Introduction
Twitter is one of the biggest social medias; it provides a platform for people to share their thoughts and interact with others. It can be accessed via web browsers, such as Chrome, or on the Twitter app which is downloadable from Apple’s AppStore or Google’s Play Store. Twitter is primarily a microblogging site, which means that it was originally created for users to make short posts. The app allows for real-time analysis of events, making it popular amongst people who enjoy being updated on current trends. Despite the utility provided by this social media, many people still find it difficult to navigate the platform. Some individuals create accounts and abandon them after failed attempts at understanding how the platform works. However, Twitter is a relatively simple social media to use. It does not require any special skills or equipment except access to an electronic device with internet connection Using Twitter effectively entails opening an account, following other users, learning how to use unique Twitter features, and interacting with other people online.
How to Use Twitter Effectively
The first step in using Twitter effectively is creating an account. Although it is possible to access Twitter without an account, user experience is enhanced by having one. For instance, people without Twitter accounts can read tweets but cannot make posts. To create an account, one needs a phone number or an email address for verification purposes. It is important to note that the minimum age required to join Twitter is thirteen years. Next, the app prompts the user to choose a username and a handle. The main difference between these two identifiers is that unlike a username, a handle begins with the @ symbol. Another difference is that a handle must be a unique name, while a username does not have to be exclusive to one person. In addition to choosing these identifiers, the signup process also involves uploading a profile photo. Although this stage can be skipped, it is generally good practice to set a new profile photo. Once a user completes these steps, they will have a Twitter account ready for use.
After creating an account, the second step is following other people on the platform. The quality of a user’s experience of Twitter depends on the accounts they follow. Many people make the mistake of exclusively following big accounts, such as those of celebrities, politicians, and large organizations. Some of these accounts rarely tweet, which leads to the belief that Twitter is boring. Instead, users should follow accounts that post content they wish to consume. For instance, individuals interested in fintech should follow accounts that tweet about finance and technology. It is not advisable to follow many random accounts at once, usually in the hope that they will reciprocate. Instead, it is better to follow more people over the course of one’s time on Twitter as this guarantees that the user will see content they actually enjoy. However, the decision on who to follow ultimately lies on the hands of the user.
The third step in using Twitter efficiently is learning the app’s features. Twitter has many features including retweet, like, bookmark, advance search, direct message, spaces, and lists. While some of these features are straightforward, others are a bit complex to use. For instance, “spaces” is a function that allows users to hold live audio conversations, while “bookmark” is used to save tweets to be viewed later Users can also create multiple feeds by using the “lists” feature. It is possible to curate a list containing accounts that share a specific aspect. When the curator clicks on that list, they will view tweets from people in the list only. This function allows users to have many smaller timelines separate from the main one. Being aware of the various features and their different functions enables a user to customize content to their taste.
The final step is interacting with other people by sending out tweets and sharing or replying to other people’s posts. Although it is not compulsory, social media is more enjoyable when a user engages others instead of just observing. It is prudent to be courteous on social media since this often reflects a person’s offline personality. Additionally, some employers skim through the social media profiles of candidates before making hiring decisions. Hence, a user should use Twitter in a manner that reflects their values and beliefs. Effective Twitter usage also entails navigating trolls who post provocative content meant to agitate other users. The best way of dealing with trolls is ignoring them since engaging with them gives them the attention they crave. Over time, a user will develop the instincts to know when and what to respond to on Twitter.
Conclusion
Twitter is arguably the best social media for discovering the most recent events. Users also form communities based on shared beliefs, interests, and traits. This makes Twitter suitable for both formal and informal interactions. While some people refrain from using the platform because of perceived difficulty, the platform is relatively easy to use. Although it may take some time, learning how to use Twitter effectively provides a rewarding online experience.