Webupon

Twitter users keep a steady stream of data flowing across cyberspace, with personal updates on everything from breakfast menus to business meetings. On the surface, it seems like another mindless social craze, but many Twitter users are serious-minded and socially conscious with an agenda behind their texts.

Users are accessing Twitter to network with like-minded individuals and raise awareness on political issues and social agendas. No subject is safe from Twitter: a few keystrokes and the information is available for everyone in the user’s network.

Updates on political party strategies, legislative issues, and public platforms stream through Twitter threads courtesy of Capitol Hill users. Senators and congressmen are using the network to link to their constituents and share information about upcoming bills and sponsored legislation. Senator John McCain used Twitter to highlight pork-barrel spending in the budget bill for network members.

Aspiring writers use Twitter to promote their work; artists use it to draw attention to their latest project. The information streamed ranges from day-to-day activities to instant messages on breaking news. Network users can keep up with their friends with a constant trail of posted details akin to message boards on social network sites like Facebook or Myspace.

Twitter has caused controversy with its mobility and “in the moment” presence. A trial juror was caught “tweeting”, as the court explained it, during an important courtroom session and was accused of compromising the judicial process. The political exploitation of Twitter has also been questioned as the Capitol Hill sessions are often abuzz with beepers and electronic devices.

Controversy or no, the Twitter connection has established itself surprisingly quickly for mobile device fans and social network enthusiasts. With legitimate causes finding a voice in Twitter’s posts, the network promises to be a key player in news and social events yet to come.