Evan Williams: The voices of Twitter users

The transcript details the journey of Twitter from its inception as a side project at Odeo to its evolution into a major social media platform. It highlights the initial concept of Twitter, its unexpected uses during real-time events, and the role of user-driven innovations in shaping its features. The transcript also discusses third-party developments, such as the acquisition of Summize, and the social impact of Twitter in community-driven initiatives. The talk concludes with a demonstration of live feedback and reflections on the future of Twitter.

What was the original purpose of Twitter when it was launched as a side project?

• To share photos with friends

• To send simple status updates

• To develop a new messaging app

• To create a blogging platform

How did Twitter prove to be useful during real-time events?

• By offering weather updates

• By allowing users to report and find information quickly

• By providing live video streaming

• By sending emergency alerts

Which user-invented feature became a significant part of Twitter's communication style?

• The retweet

• The hashtag

• The @username reply

• The like button

How did Twitter's use by politicians change the platform?

• It led to the creation of a separate political section

• It increased the platform's credibility

• It allowed for real-time political updates

• It restricted political content

What role did the API play in Twitter's development?

• It restricted access to Twitter's data

• It provided a platform for video sharing

• It enabled third-party software to interact with Twitter

• It allowed users to edit tweets

What was the impact of acquiring the company Summize?

• It allowed for longer tweets

• It enhanced Twitter's search functionality

• It introduced video sharing capabilities

• It improved Twitter's security features

What societal trend has been observed with the use of Twitter?

• A decrease in face-to-face communication

• An increase in charitable activities

• A rise in misinformation

• A decline in traditional media