AOL Instant Messanger (AIM) did it a long time ago, calling it an "away message." And Facebook added "update your status" last year. What am I talking about? The ability to keep friends and the public constantly updated on your current whereabouts and activities.
In high school, friends kept me posted on every minor task they performed through AIM away messages, letting me know they couldn't chat online because they were "doing homework" or "watching Dawson's." Almost eight years later, friends still get on and update their away messages. Right now, Buttman615's message reads, "night class." (Remember, her screen name was probably created in 7th grade)
An example of what a Facebook away message can look like. Photo: TheBillyGoatCurse.com
Facebook offers the same kind of up-to-the-minute, pointless information on people's activities. At 4:25 today "Sara Brandenburgh is a Klutz and says screw crutches!" Earlier at 1:04pm, Greg Mallin was "blown away by current events." And at 10:30 this morning, Beth Crandall woke up "wondering why her toes are numb!!!"
Newly introduced in 2007 is Twitter. Twitter is solely the "away message" and "status" aspect of the previously mentioned communication networks. There is no chatting like on AIM and there are no pictures, profiles, groups and event invitations like on Facebook. The sole purpose is to update friends and the public on what you are doing.
I never put up away messages or update my status on my communication networks. I think, "what do people care?" And, I rarely notice the status' on my Facebook's minifeed, because  what do I care? But since 22-year-olds still have the courage to update AIM away messages under screen names like Buttman615, I'm thinking Twitter may be the next big thing. Especially for kids whose lives are glorious enough to share like may my aforementioned friends- Sara, Greg, Beth, I hope you're all okay.
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