The ever changing Twitter

It has been slowly rolled out to users the past few weeks, but today marks the day where Twitter’s profile redesign is applied to all of its users profile pages.  As Twitter transitions to this new update, it is easily recognizable as an opportunity for the company to expand its reach as a social network.

Easily noticeable in the change is the comparability to competition.  As with both Facebook and Google+, the profile redesign on Twitter features a news feed look, of sorts.  As social media is all about connectivity and bringing multiple parties together, this transition is not only understandable, but expected.  With the rollout of the redesign though, the question must be asked; at what point do you become too much like your competition?

Twitter has long been successful due to its ease of use and connectivity between users.  Hashtags were developed as a way to connect otherwise non connected individuals due to the thoughts on a common topic.  The idea of functionality inducing a redesign is understandable, but where do you draw the line between what you (Twitter) is trying to accomplish, and what your competition’s goals are.

Considering the services as a whole, Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ are all very different engines and drive their respective networks in very different ways.  Facebook can be viewed as a more personal interaction, a photo sharing platform, and a way to remain connected to those you have developed tangible relationship with.  Twitter is a way to share thoughts, develop ideas, and build connections with those you may not otherwise meet.  Google+ seems to be a strong meshing of both networks into one.

Regardless of how the redesign effects Twitter, the understanding of direction and purpose is one that will determine the success of any networks long-term necessity.  How Twitter moves forward, and what they do with the gained information will propel them into the future.