Photo: Pixabay

Taking a Twitter Time-Out

428 characters can do a lot of damage.

I genuinely didn’t think that I’d be writing this article a year ago. I used to like Twitter. No, actually, I used to love it. Through Twitter, I’ve been exposed to political viewpoints I otherwise wouldn’t see, I’ve met people I like and admire, and I’ve learned to express an opinion more snappily and punchily than before. Also, JK Rowling liked one of my tweets once, which is quite cool.

In fact, in the interests of transparency, I should probably say that my decision to get off of twitter wasn’t one purely made by me. Rather than having a road-to-Damascus style epiphany which convinced me to make this social-media exodus, I forgot my password. I’m not sure what happened, but I did. I’m not sure why it hasn’t let me recover my password for the past couple of months, but it hasn’t.

Photo: Pixabay

Actually, I’ve surprised myself by being perfectly ok with that, because it turns out that twitter is a terrible place, and it made me into a worse person. I will attempt to illustrate why, by detailing one of my last twitter interactions before I involuntarily got logged off…

Basically, someone had tweeted an opinion that I thought was stupid. So I retweeted it, saying “This is a stupid opinion by a terrible person.” Five people liked that tweet.

For anyone who has spent any time on Twitter, the only thing that will strike you about that story is how mundane it is. But that’s exactly the point. I took time out of my day to try and humiliate a complete stranger just for disagreeing with me, and just because I could. Five people saw me do that, and decided to applaud. And that was a perfectly normal thing, which would probably be replicated a thousand times that day, probably in more extreme forms than I could imagine. Because ‘twitter’.

Photo: Pixabay

Now, I’ve not said anything here that you probably haven’t heard from your grandmother, but there’s another point to be made here too. Like I said, twitter makes you a worse person. But I think going to St Andrews makes you a worse person on twitter. In my (admittedly anecdotal) experience, Twitter warriors from St Andrews can be some of the most brutal. Our takedowns are the most savage. Our retweets are the snidest. Our debating threads are the angriest and most insult laden. And I use “we” very deliberately, because I’ve been guilty of this too. Until my social-media exile, I would quite often take time out of my day to find strangers to argue with on the internet.

It’s obviously only a theory, but I think the size of St Andrews might have something to do with it. Because the University is so small, so cliquey, so interconnected, it’s very, very difficult to tell people exactly what you think of them without offending a friend of theirs who you sit on committee with, or who has an academic family member that your friend wants to sleep with. So you bite your tongue, and let these things go unsaid.

Photo: Pixabay

For those of us with- let’s say- narkier dispositions, that can be difficult. So it’s refreshing to be able to pour 428 characters’ worth of digital acid all over an equally narky stranger’s face. Like Fight Club, but stupid.
Now, I’m not saying that this is necessarily a bad thing. Learning how to use the more brutal side of the English language is a useful skill, and I’m not saying it’s one that I’m never going to use. But it is one that I need to get a break from.

And that’s fair, enough, right?

I have a fifty-tweet thread calling you out if you disagree.

Comments

comments

168 thoughts on “Taking a Twitter Time-Out

  1. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google,
    and found that it’s really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.
    I will appreciate if you continue this {in future}.

    Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  2. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
    It will always be exciting to read content from other
    writers and use something from their websites.

  3. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the long run and it is time to
    be happy. I’ve learn this put up and if I may I want to suggest
    you few attention-grabbing issues or advice. Perhaps you could write subsequent
    articles regarding this article. I want to read even more issues approximately it!

  4. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am encountering issues with your RSS.
    I don’t know why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anybody having similar RSS issues?
    Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond?
    Thanks!!

  5. It’s amazing to pay a quick visit this web page and reading the views of all friends concerning this paragraph, while I am also zealous of getting experience.

  6. I have learn several just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for
    revisiting. I surprise how much attempt you place to make this kind of
    great informative web site.

  7. I’m gone to inform my little brother, that he should
    also pay a quick visit this webpage on regular basis to obtain updated from hottest information.

  8. If some one wishes expert view concerning
    blogging and site-building after that i propose
    him/her to pay a visit this webpage, Keep up the pleasant work.

  9. Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing.
    The clarity for your put up is simply cool and that i can think you are a professional on this subject.
    Well with your permission let me to seize your feed to keep updated with coming near near post.
    Thanks one million and please carry on the gratifying work.

  10. Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of
    us have developed some nice practices and we are looking to exchange techniques with
    others, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.

  11. I love what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and reporting!

    Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll.

  12. Hey! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4!

    Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look
    forward to all your posts! Keep up the great
    work!

  13. Hey there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you
    using for this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking
    at alternatives for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  14. Just want to say your article is as astounding. The clearness
    in your publish is just excellent and i could think you’re a professional in this subject.

    Well with your permission let me to snatch your RSS feed to keep updated
    with imminent post. Thank you one million and please continue the
    enjoyable work.

  15. Hello I am so delighted I found your blog page, I really found you by error,
    while I was looking on Google for something else,
    Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say
    thank you for a marvelous post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the moment but I have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more,
    Please do keep up the great work.

  16. Hello there, I do think your web site may be having browser compatibility issues.
    Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however
    when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues.
    I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, great
    blog!

  17. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following.

    unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

  18. Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one!
    It’s on a completely different subject but it has
    pretty much the same page layout and design. Outstanding
    choice of colors!

  19. Wе stumbled over here from a different websitе and thought I might
    check things out. I like what I seee so now i’m follpowing you.
    Loook forwaгd tto exploring yoiur web page yyet aցain.

  20. After going over a number of the blog articles on your web
    site, I honestly appreciate your technique of blogging. I book marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future.

    Take a look at my web site as well and let me know how you feel.

  21. Have you everr thougһt about including a little
    bit more tһan juѕt your ɑrticles? I mean, whаt you say iѕ fundamental and
    all. Howeveг just imɑgine if you added some great pһotos
    or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Υourr content is excdllent but with images and video
    clips, this blog could certainly be one of
    the geeatest in itts niche. Good Ƅlog! http://kma.pe.kr/board_sHWb49/5683518

  22. I don’t even understand how I ѕtopped up right here, Ƅut I believed this poxt was great.
    I don’t realizee who you’re but certainly you are goping
    to a well-known blogger if you aren’t already. Cheers!

    My web page: top1toto asia

  23. I used to be recommended this web site through my cousin.
    I’m now not positive whether or not this put up is written by means
    of him as nobody else realize such designated about my
    trouble. You are wonderful! Thank you!

  24. I believe everything posted was very logical. But, think on this, suppose you composed a catchier post
    title? I am not suggesting your information isn’t good.,
    but suppose you added something that grabbed people’s
    attention? I mean Taking a Twitter Time-Out is a
    little boring. You might peek at Yahoo’s home page
    and watch how they create news titles to grab people to open the links.
    You might add a video or a picture or two to grab readers interested about what you’ve written. In my opinion, it would
    make your blog a little bit more interesting.

  25. I am now not sure where you are getting your info, however
    good topic. I needs to spend some time finding out much more or working out
    more. Thank you for great information I was in search of this info for my mission.

  26. Hello very cool blog!! Man .. Excellent ..
    Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds also?
    I am satisfied to seek out numerous helpful info here in the submit, we need work out more strategies in this regard,
    thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  27. Hi, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.

    When I look at your blog in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it
    has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!

    Other then that, wonderful blog!

  28. This design is steller! You certainly know how to keep a
    reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved
    to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job.
    I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
    Too cool!

  29. I think this is one of the most vital information for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is perfect,
    the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

  30. Heу there! Qᥙick գuestion that’s сompletely off
    topic. Do уou know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My website looks weird when browsіng from my iphone. I’m trying to find ɑ theme or plugin that mihht be
    able to fix this problem. If you have any гeϲommendations, please share.

    Many thanks!

  31. Great article! That is the kind of info that are supposed to be shared across the web.
    Shame on Google for not positioning this submit higher! Come on over and consult with my website .
    Thanks =)

  32. Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team
    of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same
    niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a wonderful
    job!

  33. First of all I would like to say superb blog!

    I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
    I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing.
    I have had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out.
    I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend
    to be wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips?
    Thank you!

  34. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I
    get three emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
    Thanks!

  35. I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else experiencing issues
    with your website. It seems like some of the written text in your posts
    are running off the screen. Can somebody else please
    provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them too?

    This could be a issue with my web browser because I’ve
    had this happen before. Cheers

  36. Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored to death at work
    so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break.
    I love the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my
    cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, very good site!

  37. Ꮤe’re a gaggle of νolunteers аnd starting a new scheme in ouᥙr cоmmunity.
    Yourr website providerd us with valuable informatіon to work on. You’ve
    performed an impressive task and oսr entire community
    will be thankful to you.

  38. I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic.

    I must spend a while studying much more or working out more.
    Thank you for excellent information I was in search of this
    information for my mission.

  39. Greate pieces. Keep posting such kind of information oon your site.
    Im really impressed bby your blog.
    Hello there, You’ve done an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it and
    individually recommend to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from thiis website.

    Here is my homepage Cam4 France

  40. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.

    The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you
    shield this increase.

  41. No matter if some one searches for his vital thing, thus he/she wants to be available that in detail, therefore
    that thing is maintained over here.

  42. I ɑm extremely impressed ith your writing skills and also with
    the layoսt on your weblog. Is this a paid hеme or ԁid you customize it yourself?
    Either way keepp up the excellent quality writing, it’s rɑre to see a
    nice blog like this onne nowadays.

    Hеre is my sіte yuk88 indo

  43. I like the helpfuⅼ information you provide in yoᥙr articles.
    I will bookmark your weƅlog aɑnd check agaіn here freգuеntly.
    I’m uite ѕᥙre Ӏ wwill learn plenty ߋf new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

  44. Hmm is anyone еlse having problems with thee picturws on this blog ⅼoading?
    I’m tryinng to figgure out if its а problem on my end or if it’s the bloց.
    Any feed-back would bе greatly appreciated.

  45. Ηi there! I know this is kind of οff-topiⅽ but I had to aѕk.
    Does managing a well-established blⲟg like yours take a mɑsѕive
    ɑmount work? I’m completelyy new too running a blog however I do write inn myy diary eveгyday.
    I’d liқe to start a blog so I can easily shaгe my experience and
    feeⅼings ⲟnlіne. Please let mе know if you have any kind of suggestions orr tips for brɑnd new aspiring bloggers.
    Appreciate it! https://magentaldcc.com/forums/users/joshmackinolty/

  46. Today, I wеnt to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to mmy 4 year old
    daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” Shee put tһe shell to һer
    eаr and scrеamed. Τhere was a hermitt crab inside
    and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
    LoL Ӏ know this is completely off topic but I
    hɑd to tell ѕomeone! http://fridayad.in/user/profile/1268301

  47. Awesome blog you have here but I was wanting to know if you
    knew of any message boards that cover the
    same topics talked about here? I’d really like to be a part
    of community where I can get opinions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same
    interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me
    know. Many thanks!

  48. Sⲣot on with this write-սp, I seriously believe that this website needs a
    great deaⅼ more attеntion. I’ll probably be returning
    to гeead tһrough more, thanks for the advіce!

    Look at my web blog :: online138

  49. I’ve been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.

    It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you
    did, the web will be much more useful than ever before.

  50. Hi there, I discovered your blog via Google whilst looking for a related subject,
    your web site got here up, it seems to be great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hello there, simply become alert to your weblog thru Google, and
    located that it is truly informative. I’m gonna watch
    out for brussels. I will be grateful if you happen to continue this in future.
    Numerous people shall be benefited out of your writing.

    Cheers!

  51. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and
    sources back to your site? My blog site is in the very
    same niche as yours and my users would truly benefit from a lot of the information you
    provide here. Please let me know if this alright with
    you. Thanks a lot!

  52. Admiring the time and energy you put into your website and detailed information you offer.
    It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed information.
    Wonderful read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds
    to my Google account.

  53. Please let me knnow if you’re looking for a writer for your weblog.
    You have some really good posts and I feel I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to tske some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to wrie some material for your blog in exchange ffor
    a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested.
    Cheers!

    my homepage … Chaturbate

  54. I kno this web site presents quality dependent
    articles orr reviews and additional stuff, is there any other web site which provides such information in quality?

    Feel free tto surf to my web-site: free cams

  55. naturally like your website however you have to check the spelling on several of your posts.
    Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless
    I will certainly come again again.

  56. Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous
    to and you’re just too magnificent. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are stating and the
    way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible.
    I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful web site.

    my blog :: fake cam

  57. Pingback: Lincoln Georgis
  58. Pingback: Dr. Robert Frank
  59. Pingback: Faculty Deans fue
  60. Pingback: Course Load
  61. Pingback: Dental Hospital
  62. Pingback: MSc in pharmacy
  63. Pingback: fue
  64. Pingback: french bulldogs

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND