I’ve just recently taken the plunge into the mind-blowing world of Twitter.

It is not so much the concept of constantly updating a world-wide host of strangers on your daily activities that is so fascinating, but the speed at which this is done and the velocity with which connections can be made–strangers instantly intimate confidants.

As an undergraduate, I read Paul Virilio’s semiotic text, Speed & Politics (1977), which explores the concept of speed as a defining and perhaps destructive concept in our civilization.  Even in the late 1970s, before cell phones and the Internet were even a twinkle in some one’s eye, Virilio saw how the speed of technology was shaping our world, shrinking it.  Virilio is more interested in how speed affects our politics and our wars and perhaps wasn’t able to imagine the benefit of this speed as a conduit for communicating information and connecting with people.

At first, I dismissed Twitter as a narcissistic outlet for mindless chatter, but as I delve deeper, I am becoming more and more fascinated with the information shared.  This is a fantastic tool for connecting with people and sharing information.  I am most interested in the links that people post on Twitter–not just amusing images or cute videos, but useful resources and intriguing articles.  Although there is currently no great way to create groups or search for particular interests, I can imagine the powerful potential for networking, sharing business contacts, and seeking out advice.

follow me on Twitter @ElephantHeart