Facebook VS Twitter : DIfference in Genre

Gone were the days where people cant leave their handphone at home, now the young adult like me can't survive without Facebook. However, Facebook is facing a emerging competition, Twitter.

(source: facebook.com)

Let me explain what is most prominent feature for both Facebook and Twitter. Facebook allows users to connect with friend. Although that is the primary function, it applies Kress (2001) theory of multimodality where multiple modes is used to create multisensory messages. This multiple modes may includes visual images , songs, hyperlinks to stimulate our senses other than visual cues.

I personally have a facebook account, and it is very convinient for me to keep in touch with my friend even though they are hundred miles away from me. I

(source: twitter.com)

As for Twitter, it is a text based communicating with the context about 'what you are doing?' . It sends your messages to your "followers". It has 140 words limit. However, i found it non user friendly and I stopped using their services not long after I register an account. This apply to 54.88% of total Tweeter as they never 'tweeted' as stated by Hubspot.com(2009).

For a designer to utilize fully of these feature, many things has to take into consideration. According to Karp, it depend on the type of communication. If the message is meant for private usage ( annoucement on class gatherings as example), it is advisable to use Facebook as it provides you with the ability to send the message to your friends only. This is because Facebook user has approve every Facebook friend request.

However, if the message is intented to wider audience, it is advisable to use twitter. Your 'follower' does not need to know you in person in order to follow you. Therefore Twitter can reach to more audience if it's utilize appropriately. This is particular useful for politicians as their ultimate goal is to spread their ideology to as many people as possible.

In conclusion , a designer has to keep in mind on his intended target audience and purpose. If it is for private usage, it is advised to use Facebook as medium for message. On the other hand, if the target audience has wider range, it is advisable to use Twitter as medium for a message.

Reference

Kress & Van Leeuwen 2001, 'Multimodal Discourse: The Modes and Media of Contemporary Communication", Arnold, London.

Hubspot.com 2009, "State of Twittersphere 2009', viewed 10 June 2009


Karp S 2007, "Web Communication Experiment: Blog Vs Facebook Vs Twitter", viewed 10 June 2009