At a University where I once worked, we had an Economics Professor visit us from Turkey. He introduced himself and said “I love to gossip!” I was mildly surprised. It seemed an odd thing to proclaim. Most of us won’t even admit that we enjoy gossiping. We aren’t going to put a sign up and say, hey over here, I love to gossip. But s’truth, why are pubs and coffee shops so much fun? Because we stop to have a chat with the other locals, pass the time of day, complain about the exchange rate (or the weather if you are British!).
Do you remember at school though, we had forms of gossip that were distinctly unpleasant? If you saw your name up on the bathroom wall, you knew you were in big trouble. What I love about Twitter is that it is infinitely more civilized. We have all the fun of gossiping but usually about something hopeful, positive and engaging. We do use it to rant, but the rant is usually a reaction to something, not a vengeful, premeditated attack.
I think Twitter is a great improvement. I wonder if these schools who have problems with knives and guns could improve their school cultures but allowing Twitter?