TA TALKS BACK: WHY IS TWITTER SO POPULAR WITH THE STARS?

For today’s TATB, I take a look at why Twitter has become so popular.

In recent months, and certainly since the popularity of Twilight has grown, more and more stars of the Twilight saga (and celebrities in general) have become part of the Twitterverse. More are using Twitter to communicate with their fans and to keep in touch with the world. Why is this? What makes Twitter so popular versus sites like Facebook and MySpace?

The popularity of Twitter, in my opinion, comes from the ease of use. One doesn’t have to give much or any information away to the public aside from a name. And even that can be an alias. Just look at how many fake Robert Pattinsons and Bella Cullens there are. Your personal information can be hidden yet sending tweets is very personal. I’ve had long conversations with people, some I know in real life, and others I’ve only met online, via tweets. A lot of those conversations have just been fun but sometimes we talk about serious things. About our lives, our thoughts, our hearts, our dreams. And all for others to see. I love the ability to hop into a conversation between two of my friends. Sometimes I’m just saying something silly; other times I have something real to add to the discussion. And they do the same to me. Sometimes it’s fun just to sit and watch what others talk about, to get a glimpse into their thoughts and lives.

Those that are famous lose a lot of this ability with their fans. When someone becomes famous, their personal security unfortunately becomes a problem. When you give a performance, it’s nice to be able to get feedback, both positive and negative, from the public. But with fame comes fans that go too far, fans that overstep the boundaries of what is polite, respectful, and safe. Having an account on any social networking site makes it easier for those that are famous to connect with the public. But sites like Facebook and MySpace require upkeep. Status messages that get commented on, personal messages to answer or delete, people sending you flair buttons and hearts and cupcakes and rubber ducks with applications and so many other requests to ignore. If you simply want to communicate what you’re doing or something you saw that others might enjoy, then Twitter and its accessories like Twitpic is perfect. No one can send you a direct message unless you follow them. No one can send you requests for buttons or junk. Blocking those that get out of line is easy. And for those that don’t want the whole world to see their tweets, they can be set so only those that follow you see what you’ve said.

Something so impersonal as the internet on a human, caring, one-on-one personal level. It’s no wonder more and more people, famous and not-so-famous, are flocking to Twitter. I’ve been a “follower” for a while. Have you?

Twilight Saga stars/crew with Twitter accounts:
@peterfacinelli - Peter Facinelli – Dr Carlisle Cullen
@AshleyMGreene - Ashley Greene - Alice Cullen
@mammarazzi1 - Booboo Stewart – Seth Clearwater
@cserratos - Christian Serratos - Anglea Weber
@Jamiebower - Jamie Campbell Bower – Caius
@justinchon - Jusitn Chon – Eric Yorkie
@alchemission - Charlie Bewley – Demetri
@michaelsheen - Michael Sheen – Aro
@billy_burke - Billy Burke – Charlie Swan
@Rachelle Lefevre - Rachelle Lefevre – Victoria (Twilight, New Moon)
@AnnaKendrick47 - Anna Kendrick – Jessica Stanley
@gilbirmingham - Gil Birmingham – Billy Black
@iamedigathegi - Edi Gathegi – Laurent (Twilight, New Moon)
@jodellemicah - Jodelle Ferland – Bree (New Moon)
@CircaKiGordon - Kiowa Gordon – Embry Call
@CamBright - Cameron Bright – Alec
@tinselkorey - Tinsel Korey – Emily Young
@David_A_Slade - David Slade – director of Eclipse

Also Twilight related:
@100monkeysmusic - 100 Monkeys – Jackson Rathbone’s band
@samueltwitt1 - Sam Bradley – co-writer of “Never Think”
@marcusfoster1 - Marcus Foster – co-writer of “Let Me Sign”
@BobbyLongNews - Bobby Long – co-writer of “Let Me Sign”
@mitchhansenband - Mitch Hansen Band – Twilight tribute band

What do you think, TAers? Talk back to us…