Tweet with Caution

I may be one of the few people my age who does not Twitter. That is right. I do not tweet on a daily basis. Tweet, tweeet, tweeeeeeet!

While perusing the news, I read an interesting article at msnbc.com. With Twitter playing a key role in the dissemination of info during recent breaking news events, more and more questions arise concerning the role that Twitter will play in the future of media industries. Check out this quote included in the article:

“Twitter absolutely changes the media landscape,” said Ross Dawson, author and communications strategy analyst. “I like to refer to Marshall McLuhan’s description of media as `an extension of our senses.’ Now, Twitter is extending our senses to tens of millions of people who are often right on the scene where things are happening.”

Ah, part of me wishes I was still studying Communication. One can only imagine how many Ph. D. candidates and professors are attempting to learn more about the effects of this young media technology.

Twitter has both good and bad characteristics. Though it connects people, there is no guarantee that what is shared is accurate. For example, a stream of tweets claimed that Jeff Goldblum was dead. Hmmmm. I wonder who broke the news to Mr. Goldblum—who, by the way, is still alive and kicking?

Colbert Report—Jeff Goldblum will be missed.