Is Twitter Hurting Your Love Life?

With over 200 million users, Twitter is one of the largest and most popular social networking sites. With this type of major influence, Twitter has be subject to a number of studies on how it influencing individuals in their everyday lives. Recently, numerous articles have been published that talks about how active Twitter users tend to have shorter relationships. What's the real story behind this?

Both Mashable and Gizmodo published articles about Twitter's possible negative effects on your love life. Ok Cupid, an online dating service, recently performed a study on how romantic relationships do not last as long for the active Twitter user. Out of 833,987 Ok Cupid members, the majority who actively tweeted had shorter relationships. In addition, the problem continued to get worse with age. The study also examined that, "The average relationship for an 18-year-old that uses Twitter is about nine months." This is compared to an average of nine and a half months for 18 year olds who do not tweet. 

Ok Cupid's founder, Christian Rudder's has said that, "People who Tweet live their life in shorter bursts. Is this true? I have to believe it's very situational. I tweet a lot. Okay, I tweet too much, but it doesn't mean I am going to break up with my boyfriend because I happen to spontaneously updated my Twitter while I am bored in class. In addition, nine months versus nine and a half months? Two weeks isn't that big of a deal when it comes to dating someone. I don't think this is a really rational argument. The headline was more appealing than the actual research results. 


Gizmodo makes an excellent point in there article. What do we want from relationships? Generally something that is mutual, loving, happy, and easy. What is Twitter on the other hand? Gizmodo states, "Twitter is, for the most part, the antithesis of these things—unidirectional, cold, and vain." Perhaps they are right. Twitter for the most part is very vain. According to one study, "pointless babble" makes up 40% of tweets each day. Maybe Twitter is making us more self-indulged and consumed in ourselves. I can't speak on behalf of anyone else, but I know I don't want to be in a relationship with someone who is only concerned about their own well-being (as possibly their Twitter's well-being). 

Overall, I guess I am sort of surprised by this study (and let down at the same time). I was expecting a more "drastic" difference in relationship lengths. When I first read the headline I got a little nervous. I was hoping that I wouldn't be another person that made this statistic true (note to self: don't believe in self-fulfilling prophecies). At the end of the day, though,  I am going to keep tweeting. Stats are stats, this is real life. 

Zuned Out

By now, I’m sure most people have noticed that I have an “Apple bias” on my blog. It’s not that I necessarily prefer Apple over any company, I just really enjoy my Apple products. While I was perusing the internet last week, I stumbled upon a  headline that caught my eye: "RIP ZUNE." 

In November 2006, Microsoft released their own mp3 player called the Zune. The Zune was supposed to be the competition for Apple's iPod. However, that's not how it worked out. As Mashable writes, the Zune was neither cheaper, nor better, than Apple's infamous iPod. If it's not cheaper, what's the point in buying one?

According to Best Buy, for $199 you can buy a 32gb Zune mp3 player. Okay, let's check out the iPod. For $274 dollars, you can get an iPod touch, or for $244, a 160gb iPod - THAT's SO MUCH MUSIC AND SPACE. I myself use the 160gb iPod and have never been let down. Now, in some aspects the Zune is a better deal. Compared to an iPod touch, you are saving a decent amount of money and still get a lot of great features. The Zune HD, which is the latest model, has a multi-touch screen and wireless capabilities. At the end of the day, I'd say it all depends on what operating system you prefer and how much music you have. A lot of people I know refuse to go Apple. They are comfortable with their Microsoft products and would prefer not to switch over. I have around 90 gb of music, so a Zune wouldn't cut it. And for the price, I get way more gb/dollar with an Apple iPod.

I think the major "pitfall" for the Zune is its inability to sync up with iTunes and that is can only operate throgh Windows. After reading a number of articles, it appears that you can "unlock" your Zune, but who wants to go through that mess? On the other hand, iTune is readily available for all Windows operating systems. Bonus points for Apple, again.

I've only used a Zune once. All in all, it looks like a pretty decent product. As a Mac-obsessed consumer, I'm actually pretty interested in the Zune after doing the research. However, it looks like my time to acquire a Zune is coming to an end.

Microsoft plans on continuing the Zune software for Windows phones, but the product itself won't be released anymore.

Maybe I missed my chance, or maybe it was a sign that I did the right thing in 2005 and bought an iPod. Either way, my regrets go out to anyone who is mourning the death of the Zune. Perhaps it's time for that iPod. 

Internet Explorer 6, it's time to go

As an avid Mac user, the words "Internet Explorer" are not really a part of my vocabulary. In some ways, I cringe at the sight and sound of those two words put together. Let me take a stroll down memory lane.


Internet Explorer...reminds me of my Toshiba laptop that crashed three times in one week, or the time my web browser froze during an online quiz. Oh wait, that happened almost every time. Clearly, I am biased, but it appears I am not the only one who has had these types of problems with the 10 year old web browser.

Well, good news for all of us that have been affected by the failings of Internet Explorer: Microsoft has announced the SHUT DOWN of the second most popular web browser in the world (Firefox took first place), Internet Explorer 6.

Now, this is not to be confused with Explorer shutting down completely, but basically Microsoft wants to have users move to a more modern day browser: Internet Explorer 9.


In order to launch this campaign, Microsoft themselves made a website to increase movement towards the newer browser. The title of the page says, “10 years ago a browser was born. …It’s time to say goodbye.” You can check the website out by clicking here. 


In the past, Internet Explorer 6 has received harsh criticism for a number of reasons. One of the main problems with Internet Explorer 6 is it's pitiful security. In fact, the security and privacy problems are so bad that France and Germany warned citizens not to use the "old school" browser. 


In addition, Internet Explorer 6 doesn't have CSS capabilities. Even Facebook doesn't operate correctly on IE 6. (If Facebook doesn't want you using it, clearly it shouldn't be used.) Digg and Youtube also stated that they would be cutting back on support for IE 6. If even Microsoft is telling you to stop using the browser, obviously something isn't right with it. 

Overall, if you're still using Explorer, you might want to consider updating. Not only to enhance your web browsing experience, but for your own security. Currently, users can update to Internet Explorer 9 free of charge (SWEET). Nobody wants to deal with a virus eating their hard drive. My advice: get a Mac (or at least start with Firefox or Chrome). 

What's the latest trend? Ask Twitter!

School can be such a drag. Sometimes, it seems like weeks go by without even noticing. Can anyone else believe it's almost March? I must have been asleep for most of February because it doesn't seem like that much time has passed. Between the work, studying, and hustling around, it is very easy to lose track of current events and what is going on in the world. However, have no fear, Twitter is here!


Anyone who thinks Twitter is pointless should probably get with the times. As one of the largest and most influential social media networks, it is changing the way news is spread. One of the greatest features on Twitter,  is the trending tool. Twitter keeps track of what topics, words, or phrases are being talked about the most. Every week, Mashable collects this data and organizes it into a nice, easy to read charge that highlights the most talked about stories of the week.

While the topics themselves are interesting, it's the "trending" itself that is fascinating. The events and people captured in this chart are an exact reflection of who and what are running our society. Twitter is like a history book, but in electronic form - let's call it Twistory. 


The "most trended" story this week was "The Grammy's" To many people, this may seem like a useless fact. On the contrary, this is history in the making. 50 years from now, historians will look back on these "trending" pages and be able to have an accurate idea of what was going on in our society and this given point in time.

Yes, I am getting a little bit ahead of myself, but this is just another example of how influential social media really is.


To catch the rest of this weeks biggest trends, read the trending story on Mashable

A Social Media State of Emergency

It’s 10 o’clock at night and you’re riding your bike home from school. As you cross the intersection near your home, a car swerves into your bike and knocks you on the ground. You try to stand up, but realize you can’t move your legs. What is your next step?

For most people, the obvious answer would be to call 911 and ask for help. However, in our technologically consumed society, 911 might not be the first number you dial. Instead, many people are turning to Facebook and Twitter to get their voices heard.

A recent story on Mashable looked at how social media is influencing emergency situations. One event in particular really stuck out to me. In 2009, two girls were stuck in a water drain. Rather than call the police or 911 for help, they posted their cry for help on Facebook and later received help.

Would I have done that? Eventually, but 911 would have been my initial instinct. Does this mean we are changing as a society? When I was growing up calling 911 was standard. Have we become so obsessed with our electronic devices that rather than call for help, we tweet or Facebook about it? Revolutionary.

According to the Mashable study, 28% of people would definitely use a social media tool to contact friends and family in an area-wide emergency to let them know that they were safe. On the contrary, only 16% of people said they would definitely not. As technology continues to be even more intertwined in our lives, it is slowly changing the way we handle almost any situation.

If people are turning to social media for help, what does this say about our basic infrastructure? Recently, the Austin-Statesman wrote an article about 911 staff shortages how it was causing phone delays. This past year, more than 6,000 [911] callers received a recorded message instead of speaking to an actual operator. If citizens are unable to rely on the government-provided services, it's no wonder they have decided to turn to social media networks.

Many social media websites have adapted a "location" or GPS capability. Foursquare gives users the option to add new locations. Locations include a Google map from where the user has "checked in." In a time of emergency, this location feature might be a life saver. Like Foursquare, Facebook also has a "check-in" option available for users. 

Although many people have began to use social media as an emergency-outlet tool, the system is not completely flawless. Twitter only allows users to use 140 characters or less per a tweet. In a time of a crisis, 140 characters might not cut it. Depending on the application you are using, programs such as twitlonger, allow for tweets to continue outside the traditional 140 standard.

Another major flaw that most of us social media advocates have encountered, are the network overloads. “Twitter is overcapacity, again!” How many times have you tried to log in and instead get stuck with the picture of the whale telling you the website is over capacity. This could be hazardous during an emergency when you need to get news out. Facebook is generally pretty good with keeping the network up and running. However, this past semester Facebook was down for a few hours and chaos almost broke out.

I have always said Twitter makes you realize how many friends you actually have. I have close to 2000 Facebook friends, but barely 200 followers on Twitter. What would be the point of using a social media tool if no one could get my message? Thank goodness for hashtags (#seriously).

As we continue to spend most of our time living through some sort of social media alter-universe, it is only natural that we integrate it into every aspect of our lives – including emergencies. How and when we choose to use these social media networks during a crisis is completely situational. However, it has been interesting to see how our society has slowly started using social media for more than a PR or business tool. 

Happy Birthday, Facebook!

February 5th is a monumental day in history. You might be asking yourself, "What is so important about this random day?" Well friends, today marks the seventh birthday of the largest and most revolutionary social network: Facebook. Over the years, Facebook has grown from an exclusive website for Harvard students to an international social and business phenomenon.

Social Media website, Mashable, did an awesome write-up about the history and changes Facebook has undergone over the past 7 years. Have a look back in Facebook history and reminisce on the days when advertisements and privacy settings didn't swarm your news feed.


7 Years of Facebook: A Retrospective

Which Social Media Blogs am I reading today?

I find that I spend most of my day staring at my computer. Whether it be Facebooking to get through class, or just surfing the web, I lose way too many hours to my MacBookPro. It's so easy to get lost on the web. You find one thing that interests you, which inevitably leads you another thing, which in turn ends up taking 4 hours of your life. Just like that, the internet took away your day. However, every now and then you find a few sites that cover everything you're interested in. I compiled a list of online blogs that really do an excellent job of keeping me informed on all my social media interests. 

Mashable – The Social Media Guide

The real question is, what isn’t interesting about Mashable? As a Social Media addict, this blog quenches my never ending desire to read and learn about social media and technology.

         Mashable’s main strength, in my opinion, is its variety of subjects. Whether it is Twitter or Facebook, to Technology and business news, Mashable has an entire 360 degree coverage of the Social Media realm.

         Mashable appears to be updated on the minute and on the hour. As news pops up, it is instantly updated. That is another one of the blog’s strengths: timeliness. No one wants stories that 39203920 other blogs have already posted. Two-thumbs up to you, Mashable, for always being on the ball.

         Most Mashable articles are overwhelmed with comments. I use the term overwhelmed in a positive sense because it is always good to see different perspectives on the same topic. Everyone have a different outlook, and sometimes reading someone else’s opinion will flip the switch in your own brain.

         For a long time I did not know about Mashable. Simply through typing in, “social media blogs” on Google did I end up finding it. However, Mashable is very active on Twitter and Facebook. This allows it’s readers to spread to other social media networks and share news to others. 

Gizmodo – The Gadget Guide

         Despite loving social media news, I also have a love for technology (since it is the medium we acquire most of our social media news through.) Gizmodo covers all sorts of stories. When the unreleased iPhone 4 was mysteriously found in a bar this past summer, Gizmodo was the first news source on it. I like being up to date on what type of gadgets and gizmos will be coming out, and how they can help me in the future. I find myself emotionally attached to my MacBookPro. Gizmodo covers so many different stories in relation to Apple that it always spark an interest in my Apple-addicted head.

         One of Gizmodo’s strengths is the depth of some of the articles. I cannot find any other blog that has such a deep focus on technology and gadgets. I also think the simplicity of Gizmodo (ironic, eh?) is something that makes its website appealing. The articles are easy to read and are not overwhelmed with too much technology jargon.

         In terms of updating, Gizmodo is on spot. Like Mashable, it is updated as news comes in and is never behind. As I mentioned earlier about the iPhone 4, this is a perfect demonstration of Gizmodo’s active awareness and timeliness.

         I consider Gizmodo the “sister blog” of Mashable. It also attracts lots of viewers and readers. With almost 200,000 Twitter followers, it is bringing in a wide-variety of comments and opinions. This is very important in keeping news updated and circulating.

         Like I said about Twitter, Gizmodo reaches a wide audience. On Facebook, the blog is nearing 200,000 “fans.” Again, this open communication through different social networks is important when it comes to acquiring news, information, and stories.

         Leave it to the technology/gadget blog to have all these categories covered. 

The Anti-Social Media – Satirical Blog

         The final blog I chose is a little bit out of my element. While I thouroughly enjoy all the social media news, my sarcastic side loves making fun of it. Listed as one of the top social media blogs of 2011, The Anti-Social Media takes a satirical approach to the ever-growing social media networks.

         This blog definitely plays to its strength through the use of funny videos, comments, pictures, and other art forms that mock social media. A lot of the videos and pictures I saw instantly cracked me up, thus hooking me as an active reader.

         Unlike the first two, this blog is not updated as frequenty. While it has new posts almost every single day, they are simple, minimal, and usually only once a day. Mashable and Gizmodo has hundreds of articles released daily. However, for this type of “small scale” blog, the minimal updates work well.

         In terms of community interaction and circulation, activity for this blog seems average. The stories are retweeted and posted on Facebook a decent amount of times. It does not compare to the mass-sharing of Mashable or Gizmodo, but again, it is fitting for this blog.

         Community interaction is definitely great on a site like this because people enjoy the dry, sarcastic humor. A lot of times this leads to sharing with friends and family because of the laughter it brings.