Paul Graham's 2009 post argues that Twitter's significance stems not from its seeming triviality, but from its unique blend of messaging and public broadcast. It's a new kind of medium, distinct from email or IM, offering a low-friction way to share thoughts and information publicly. This public nature fosters a sense of ambient awareness, keeping users connected to a wider circle than traditional communication methods. Its brevity and immediacy contribute to a feeling of being "present," allowing participation in real-time events and fostering a sense of shared experience. While seemingly inconsequential updates create this presence, they also pave the way for sharing genuinely valuable information within the established network.
In a 2009 essay titled "Why Twitter is Such a Big Deal," Paul Graham meticulously dissects the then-burgeoning phenomenon of Twitter, arguing that its significance extends far beyond its apparent simplicity. He posits that Twitter's true value lies not merely in its function as a microblogging platform for sharing fleeting thoughts and observations, but in its innovative approach to social interaction and information dissemination. This innovative approach, Graham explains, stems from Twitter's unique constraint: the 140-character limit. This restriction, initially perceived as a technical limitation, has inadvertently become the source of Twitter's strength. It forces users to distill their messages to their essence, fostering a culture of brevity and immediacy. This, in turn, has facilitated a rapid-fire exchange of information and a sense of real-time connection unlike anything seen before in online communication.
Graham draws a parallel between Twitter and other seemingly simple yet profoundly impactful inventions, such as the haiku and the New York City hot dog stand. He argues that these examples, like Twitter, demonstrate the power of constraints to breed creativity and efficiency. By limiting the available options, these forms encourage a focus on the essential and a refinement of form and function. In the case of Twitter, the 140-character limit fosters a particular style of communication that is concise, impactful, and easily digestible.
Furthermore, Graham highlights the emergence of novel linguistic conventions on Twitter, such as the use of abbreviations, hashtags, and @ replies. These conventions, he argues, are not merely whimsical quirks but rather represent the evolution of language in response to the platform's unique constraints. They serve to maximize the information density within the character limit and facilitate the rapid dissemination and retrieval of information. This evolution of language, according to Graham, is a testament to Twitter's influence on how we communicate.
He also emphasizes the asymmetric nature of following on Twitter, contrasting it with the reciprocal nature of "friending" on Facebook. This asymmetry, he explains, allows individuals to curate their own information streams by selectively following those whose updates they find interesting or valuable. This creates a highly personalized information ecosystem, enabling users to tailor their online experience to their specific interests and needs.
Finally, Graham addresses the skepticism surrounding Twitter's apparent triviality, acknowledging that many of the messages exchanged on the platform are indeed inconsequential. However, he argues that this perception misses the point. The true value of Twitter, he concludes, lies not in the individual messages themselves, but in the network of connections it facilitates and the real-time flow of information it enables. It's this constant stream of updates, however seemingly trivial, that creates a sense of shared experience and connectedness, transforming Twitter from a simple microblogging platform into a powerful tool for communication and community building.
Summary of Comments ( 222 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42760054
HN commenters discuss Paul Graham's 2009 essay on Twitter's significance. Several highlight the prescience of his observations about its future potential, particularly regarding real-time news and conversation. Some contrast Twitter's early simplicity with its current complexity, lamenting feature bloat and the rise of performative posting. Others note how Graham correctly predicted the platform's role as a powerful distribution channel, even envisioning its use for customer support. A few express skepticism about its long-term value, echoing early criticisms about the triviality of its content. Overall, the comments reflect a mix of admiration for Graham's foresight and a wistful look back at a simpler era of social media.
The Hacker News post linking to Paul Graham's 2009 essay "Why Twitter is such a big deal" has a substantial number of comments discussing the prescience of the original article, the evolution of Twitter, and social media in general.
Many commenters reflect on how accurately Graham predicted Twitter's growth and influence, particularly his observation about the asymmetric follow dynamic and its impact on information dissemination. Some highlight the unexpected ways Twitter has been used, such as for citizen journalism and political organizing, which weren't explicitly foreseen in the original essay. A few express surprise that Graham didn't anticipate the rise of the "reply guy" phenomenon or the prevalence of negativity and abuse on the platform.
Several commenters discuss the evolution of Twitter since 2009, noting the introduction of features like the retweet button, which amplified the platform's reach and altered the dynamics of conversation. Others lament the perceived decline in Twitter's quality over time, attributing it to factors like increased commercialization, algorithmic timelines, and the rise of bots and inauthentic accounts.
A common thread in the comments is the discussion of Twitter's role in the broader social media landscape. Some commenters compare Twitter to other platforms like Facebook and Mastodon, analyzing their respective strengths and weaknesses. There's debate about the impact of social media on society, with some expressing concerns about filter bubbles, echo chambers, and the spread of misinformation.
Some of the more compelling comments delve into the specific mechanics of Twitter and its impact on communication. One commenter discusses the concept of "ambient awareness" and how Twitter fosters a sense of connection, even without direct interaction. Another comment explores the psychological effects of Twitter, arguing that the platform's constant stream of information can lead to anxiety and a distorted perception of reality.
A few commenters offer personal anecdotes about their experiences with Twitter, sharing how the platform has influenced their lives, both positively and negatively. Some discuss the benefits of using Twitter for professional networking, while others express frustration with the platform's addictive nature and its potential for negativity.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post offer a thoughtful and nuanced reflection on the evolution of Twitter and its impact on society. They demonstrate the enduring relevance of Paul Graham's original essay while acknowledging the complexities and challenges that have emerged in the years since its publication.