Twitter a Tool for Terrorists?
The U.S. Army recently mentioned in a report that Twitter, the popular microblogging service, could be used as a tool for terrorists. For example, the report explained how Twitter could potentially be used to detonate explosives and coordinate attacks. The analysts in the intelligence operations are thinking very creatively! Why do they publish these things? It isn’t likely that the Twitter community could recognize or decipher a terrorist conversation. But now the military just gave the bad guys a new idea if they haven’t already thought of it, or at least spread the idea more widely.
Has anyone witnessed any suspicious activity on Twitter? I don’t think I have. The only things I’ve seen that even remotely approach clandestine terror are the incessant spammy tweets by self-described “social geeks” and self-appointed “social media gurus” who are essentially parasitic consultants touting some “secret” paradigm-shifting upcoming feature on their hack job “me too” web service, or their thinly veiled attempts to take credit for clients’ products and posture as if they own it with terms like “my startup” or “my product,” or their failed attempts to rally a boycott of Twitter in favor of Identi.ca on the grounds of some open source crusade and then returning to Twitter with their tails tucked between their legs because they don’t understand first mover advantage. These bad guys terrorize the digital airwaves with poor thinking. Would you hire consultants like these? If yes, then you terrorize your own company’s balance sheet, income statement, and chances for success.
I am not a twitter terrorist, but I must admit my guilt. I use twitter for industrial theft. Its true, I steal from my company. Untold paid hours using social media for “PR purposes” that are actually spend talking sports and music with random programmers and bloggers.
Perhaps I should be more constructive with my Twitter time. Who would like to organize a hostile take over with me?
There’s a lot that the government does that blows my mind; this is one example. For the sake of national security they’re publicly announcing various services, locations, and means for transportation as potential terrorist attacks. Come on. They’re telling terrorists what can be targeted. Yes, I understand it’s an approach to let terrorists know the government is thinking of those things. However, when they announce that certain shipping ports are unattended and won’t have the staff to adequately monitor it for x months, they’re inviting attacks.
And yes, I’m sure a lot of twitter-ers are using company time to update their status, read others’ status, and, down right, not do their work as productively as they could. Perhaps, I should get back to work now instead of commenting during company time.
Ah, the joy of social products… I guess spams find their ways in any communication tool. When will we get a spam folder on Twitter?
Twitter Terrorism? God forbid. Time to duck and cover.
Not long ago I posted an article about online scammers who are using Twitter to hawk their wares. Whenever a new technology arises, they’re not far behind (unfortunately).
Nice theme btw.
Thanks for your comments a few weeks ago. You have a really nice blog.