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Is Twitter removing the ‘celebrity’ from celebrity?

Hello, my name is Luke, and I have a confession: I am a Twitter addict. Having discovered this medium in 2011, my obsession has now gone stratospheric, and I am gradually learning to limit my daily usage (exceeding my monthly Internet allowance was a wake-up call, I think!) While ruminating yesterday, it dawned on me that the intimidating element of ‘celebrity’ seems to be waning – in my opinion – after frequent use of the site. I won’t name any names, and apologies if I sound egotistical or arrogant at all, but I recently replied to a well-known celebrity with a high follower count, and my reply was number 5. (I’m sure lots of us have sampled this joy, as it shows our replies are well thought out, logical, considerate, legible and intelligent.)

It seems to me the fear factor with ‘celebrity’ is diminishing because of Twitter – we are all on a level playing field, and the smart rise to the top (whoever they may be) and the folk who elect to partake in less favourable activity surely should soon start getting bored and put their time to more constructive use on the site.

I think we are incredibly fortunate and lucky (especially if you have a passion for writing) that we are blessed with this incredible website, that brings strangers together with similar interests and who share similar passions. Friendships are forged and intellect is stimulated. Twitter is my number 1 (and only) social network site I use (being a man, I am incapable of doing two things at once anyway!) and I find it great therapy and a great release from everyday life. Imagination sparks creativity, and I love it when I can think of something fun, useful and interesting to contribute.

The power of this medium seems to be turning ordinary folk into celebrities. Some for good reasons, others not. I regularly see Twitter handles come up in the press for less than favourable reasons, but finding a great ‘non-celeb’ is fantastic. You meet people you would never have met, find songs you would never have listened to, read jokes you would never have laughed at, and learn information faster than ever before.

On a personal (slightly scary) note, (and it is undoubtedly coincidence) I have written tweets and seconds later, a celeb’s tweet comes up after mine that seems to be a direct reply to mine. It has happened on more than one occasion. I still can’t get my head around this. And I probably never will. Which is another reason why I am trying to limit myself with regards to Twitter usage, and counting my blessings daily that I have found this incredible invention.

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