Dhiraj Murthy's *Twitter* presents a scholarly examination of Twitter as an emergent global communications medium, arguing its growing significance in political, economic, and social spheres. The book traces a historical lineage from the telegraph to Twitter, analyzing shifts in social communication. It employs case studies in citizen journalism, health, and natural disasters to illustrate how Twitter and broader social media are shaping contemporary life.
The book offers a critical perspective on popular discourse surrounding Twitter, providing a balanced scholarly engagement. Readers gain insights into Twitter's impact and the contemporary media environment, understanding the mechanics of its communication, such as the use of the '@' sign to direct posts between users. It equips students, scholars, and users with a theoretical framework for critically reflecting on this platform.
Key concepts
- Twitter as an emergent global communications medium — This describes Twitter's function and reach as a platform for worldwide communication.
- Historical line between telegraph and Twitter — This refers to the book's comparative analysis of communication technologies across different eras.
- '@' sign for directing tweets — This details the specific mechanism Twitter users employ to address posts to one another.
- Citizen journalism case studies — These are examples used to demonstrate Twitter's role in user-generated news reporting.