140-Character Enlightenment

Social media has become a tool for communicating on such an incredible scale that it now equates to a sense of enlightenment. Facebook and Twitter have been the primary methods of communication for revolutionary activists in the Middle East; it seems incredible that 140 characters can say so much more. A tweet is short, concise, there is no room for poetry. And yet Twitter has enabled the masses of numerous nations to unite under a common interest: Enlightenment.

Similary LinkedIn, a social networking platform for professional communication allows an initial message which is ruled by a set character allowance. It is all about knowing how to use words, using them effectively and succinctly. Say what you mean, say it in a short amount of space and you will get a response.

The recent revolutions to shake the Arab world have been a reaction to repressive regimes and to people lacking a voice. Although the successful revolutionaries have gained their voice, their right to speak and have their say, it is quite ironic that the social media tool that enabled them to have their opinions heard imposed a strict word limit of 140 characters.