The Case for Quitting Twitter
Like 99% of humans, I regularly scroll through Instagram reels, TikToks, and the like as I’m waiting for a Zoom call to start, sitting in a camp pickup line, or on the treadmill. If you’re not already following Marketing Millenials on Instagram, they are a must. They share all things tips, tricks, trends, and funnies that marketing professionals will appreciate. Some of the best lately have been about the introduction of “just one more” social media channel that a client/company wants to try. While there’s always room to grow owned and shared channels, there’s one that I’m more than ready to quit: Twitter. There’s a place for it, probably. But when it comes to education, there may be several reasons why schools and districts might consider discontinuing or reevaluating their use of Twitter. Here are a handful of possible concerns:
Privacy and safety: Twitter is a public platform, and it can be challenging to control who has access to the information shared on it. Schools have a responsibility to protect the privacy and safety of their students, and using a public platform like Twitter may increase the risk of exposing sensitive information or facilitating unwanted interactions.
Cyberbullying and online harassment: Social media platforms, including Twitter, can be breeding grounds for cyberbullying and online harassment. Schools need to prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment for their students, and exposing them to potential harassment or negative experiences on Twitter could contradict those efforts.
Lack of control over content: When schools use Twitter, they have limited control over the content that appears on their profiles or in the comments sections. Inappropriate or offensive content can be posted by others, and managing and moderating those interactions can be challenging. Particularly given the limited capacity of most communications teams. This lack of control might compromise image and reputation.
Time and resource constraints: Per that limited capacity…maintaining an active presence on Twitter requires dedicated time and resources. School staff members already have numerous responsibilities, and managing social media accounts can be an additional burden. The time spent on Twitter might be better utilized in other areas, such as direct student engagement or professional development.
Communication effectiveness: While Twitter can be a useful tool for broadcasting information to a broader audience, its effectiveness in fostering meaningful communication and engagement within the school community can be limited. Longer-form communication methods, such as email newsletters, dedicated websites, or even in-person meetings, may be more effective in conveying important information to parents, students, and staff.
Ultimately, the decision to stop using Twitter or any social media platform should be based on careful consideration of the specific needs, resources, and goals of the school or district. Exploring alternative platforms or communication methods that align better with their objectives may be a more suitable approach.
Tell your story. But tell it where it makes sense.
