Should I leave Twitter? (again)

When the new owner took over Twitter, a lot of people left. I wasn’t one of them. I thought about it, and then I just opened lots of other social media accounts. You can find me on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, Facebook and LinkedIn most days. It’s nearly a full time job. 

For a long time, people on those other platforms have been making judgemental noises about those of us who are still on Twitter. 

Armchair anger is not enough

One evening last week, I was on Twitter making small talk with some friends, having a laugh, trying to wind down after a hard day at work.

Then someone I follow decided to spend the evening inviting people to share experiences of poverty, and retweeting them. This appeared to find approval among a lot of people, who made comments such as 'This is what Twitter is for'.

I unfollowed him.

My year on Twitter, and a thank-you letter to my invisible friends

When you get to a certain age it can be hard to make new friends. Or the ones you have aren't always around when you need them. (Three of my best friends are now at the other end of the country, the other side of the world, or have gone mad.)

So where do you turn to for friendship? The internet, obviously.

In cyberspace, no-one can hear you stammer

Rudyard Kipling's illustration for The Cat That Walked By Himself

Last year, I went to my first tweet-up. I wasn't impressed. It consisted mainly of people sitting around a table looking at their phones.

Twitter is a brilliant hiding place for shy people. In cyberspace, no-one can hear you stammer.

Why Twitter is the new rock'n'roll

Many years ago when I worked in newspapers you always had to write some 'highlights of the year' to fill the column inches when everyone was on holiday.

I didn't think I'd still be doing it years later, without getting paid, but some things are too good not to share. My media highlights of the year were all on Twitter.