Facebook is scared.
Who would have thought that a website with over 175 million active users would be desperately trying to keep up with a microblogging app? Facebook just had a conference about some upcoming changes to their front page and user pages that will create a more Twitter-like environment.
If you remember, a few weeks ago, Facebook offered $500 million to buy Twitter. While some of that money would have come in stocks, a whole chunk would have been cold, hard cash. Now, Facebook is trying to create a heavier two-way conversation website by allowing the front page to live update (rather than every 10 min.). From what I see, there is a good reason Facebook tried to buy Twitter. It is great that Facebook has 175 million dedicated users, but it means change is met with heavy resistance and those dedicated users like the function that Facebook provides.
Facebook is afraid that internet users will move to Twitter to connect with celebrities. More importantly, businesses will move to Twitter to get connected with their market. If you don’t believe this is happening with celebrities, follow @miley__cyrus for ten minutes (I warn you…it is a bad experience, but it illustrates what celebrities are doing on Twitter that they aren’t on Facebook) *Update: Miley Cyrus’ account it suspended because it got hacked* If you don’t believe businesses are getting on Twitter because of the two-way nature of conversation, follow @laskaroy. This man can see the future. He once said if your business is not on Twitter, you are behind. Already. You need to be on Twitter and you need to use it the right way.
Americans are especially individualistic by nature and as we have recently found out, Facebook allows us to join a “social” network while still simply broadcasting our lives. We fail to realize that everybody else is broadcasting as well. Twitter is built on community. We all feel a sense of accomplishment when Twitter succeeds and our followers perform well in their jobs. Facebook revolutionized social networks (and continues to), but Twitter is creating a shift in mindset. Those that are broadcasting simply don’t get it and are forgot about very soon. Celebrities and businesses that do not interact are put aside for those that do pay attention. We are impatient and we will move on if you don’t understand what you got yourself into.
I heard a reference to Twitter on Around the Horn (and ESPN show that airs at 5pm est so many of my midwestern brethren haven’t heard of it) for the 5th day in a row today. John Stewart tried to explain it last night on the Daily Show. Award Season mentioned Twitter in nearly every broadcast. You seeing what I’m getting at? Facebook should absolutely be scared out of their mind.
What’s next for Twitter? How about competing with worlds only search engine – Google (I understand its not the only one, but according to usage, it should be)? Check out that post – it lays out the specifics of how that can happen.
Facebook offers something different than Twitter, but they are seriously frightened.
i agree. they are taking a lot of steps into that “twitter” generation.
For me, Facebook is a tool for connecting with people from the past, and Twitter is all about finding and conversing with new people. I have shared a class, a trip, a story, or a drink with all of my Facebook friends, while I haven’t met 90% of my Twitter followers. I think Facebook should keep their focus on networking, and not freak out about a site that has yet to monetize any of their traffic.
Also, I live in the Midwest and *love* Around the Horn. (I don’t have cable any more, but I still love it.)
Chris,
Thank you for your input. I agree that I get something completely different out of Facebook than I do Twitter and it should stay that way. However, I think Facebook is smart to watch out for what could be their largest traffic competitor. I do not know if they are at the “join ‘em” stage yet though.
One thing I am going to miss after college is my daily dose of Horn and PTI.
I think Chris got it. Twitter has not been able to monetize their traffic. But they will. They most certainly will. And it’s because of that inevitable outcome that Facebook is scared and wants them out of the picture. Because while they are used for different reasons, they will still be a threat to FB. My Twitter usage went up, and my FB usage went down.
Post hoc ergo propter hoc.
Great post, Scott.
Twitter is cool and everything, but the real magic happens at Classmates.com. I can connect with friends from High School in real time. Their ads are everywhere online so you know they’re popular! It’s the best!