Image via CrunchBase

Much has been made about the supposed millions flocking over to Twitter to sign up for their accounts onthe microblogging service.  While that’s truly impressive, it’s also misleading because it is not a clear indication of the impact that Twitter has had on our culture.

It’s taken a study by Harvard, followed by one by HubSpot to pop a big whole in the balloon of hype surrounding the service.  This shows me a flaw in the way that many of us view social media.  Too often, to many of us stray for the concept that it is participatory phenomenon.  Sure, one can silently watch and read content.  But not with Twitter.

Let’s take a look at some of the stats.

• Just 10% of the users on Twitter create 90% of the conent.  For most social networks, it is 30% of the users.


• 55.50% are not following anyone


• 52.71% have no followers


• 54.88% have never tweeted

There are other stats, but for my point, those are the most important.  It’s obvious that of the millions that are signing up, the vast majority of them don’t end up taking the time to really part