Feature

'What's Happening' with Twitter?

Twitter recently changed its prompt question from "What are you doing?" to the more open-ended "What’s happening?"—triggering  the sort of intense discussion and analysis that any small change to a cherished social media site provokes. What's the subtext of the new text?   

The new prompt clarifies the site's mission: Twitter was originally (and modestly) concieved to let people post "personal status updates," says Barb Dybwad at Mashable, but it has evolved into a broader discussion forum and an outlet for "citizen journalism." At very least, "what's happening?" makes the site more intuitive to new users.
"Twitter drops 'what are you doing'"

It signals a shift from "me" to "we": As Twitter has evolved, users tend to maintain "threads" rather than speak in "isolated tweets," says linguist David Crystal as quoted at ValleyWag. And while the old prompt "looks inward," the new one "looks outward."
"Twitter's new prompt: A linguist weighs in"

Let's hope "what's happening?" reduces oversharing:
Maybe the new prompt will diminish "the number of useless and pointless Tweets about people’s personal and private situations," says Bertrand at Erictric. Though I still "am not a fan of Twitter" this tweak might make the site less objectionable.
"Twitter changes default question"

Recommended

6 marvelous homes with great kitchens
House
Feature

6 marvelous homes with great kitchens

The Check-In: How to plan a trip to Antarctica
Penguins on an iceberg
Feature

The Check-In: How to plan a trip to Antarctica

The Week contest: Seaweed invasion
sargassum seaweed.
Feature

The Week contest: Seaweed invasion

6 worthwhile homes in Iowa
House.
Feature

6 worthwhile homes in Iowa

Most Popular

Mosquito species from South America discovered in Florida
Culex lactator.
new in town

Mosquito species from South America discovered in Florida

Finland offering free happiness 'masterclass'
flag of Finland
teaching joy

Finland offering free happiness 'masterclass'

Wyoming judge blocks abortion ban, citing anti-ObamaCare amendment
Abortion rights protest in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Unintended consequences

Wyoming judge blocks abortion ban, citing anti-ObamaCare amendment