Are you Passive or Active on Twitter?

I have used Twitter for a long time, but I had it all wrong. For me, Twitter was a passive platform. I used it when I felt lazy. Instead of searching for news, I let my newsfeed do the work.  I doomscrolled through much of 2020. Sometimes, I couldn’t pull myself away from the news, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth. When things seemed unbearable, I would keep scrolling, hoping to stumble upon a timeline cleanser—something funny or inspirational. Doomscrolling left me feeling depressed, disconnected, and powerless.

Instead of being a passive observer, I am now choosing to be an active participant. I’m following more people and I’m seeking engagement.

With a shifted mindset, Twitter can become a powerful platform to teach, learn, and build connections with others. I am now using Twitter in a way that is effective for me.

Here is my twitter turning point:

If I’m asked a question in private, I typically answer in private. Although this creates value for one person, it is inefficient when someone else asks a similar question. I have to re-create the answer.

Someone asked me in private to share my thoughts on two discussion platforms that I use, Circle and Discourse. Instead of a quick private reply, I created my first twitter thread. I went public. I tested my perspective in public and remain open to other perspectives. The thread is now a digital asset. If someone asks again, I can link to the thread. I created value for the person who asked and for others.

I have shifted from doomscrolling into value-scrolling. Instead of using twitter as a distraction, I’m scrolling to find and bring value.

If you’ve been passive, experiment with engagement.