Twitter.com - Keeping in Touch (Minimalistically)

What are you doing right now? Twitter wants to know. The essence of this fascinating web site can be thought of as something like web 2.0 for those overwhelmed by web 2.0. The media saturated will find this the ultimate tool as it allows you to stay in touch while remaining free from disruption. All you kids out there who want to strike up a fine balance with being plugged in yet autonomous and free will no doubt enjoy this little pearl called Twitter. Just post, via photos, texts, sms-- what have you-- a small sign of life that your friends and family can relish without imposing on your personal time. It´s communication for communication´s sake.

“A global community of friends and strangers answering one simple question: What are you doing? Answer on your phone, IM, or right here on the web!”

Though an extremely simple concept, Twitter fits in perfectly with popular cultural memes. On the one hand, everyone wants to know where and what about their friends and acquaintances; people pour out their life stories on blogs; your face is plastered all over Flickr; yet, on the other hand, there comes a time when you need privacy. Twitter keeps you just in touch enough so you don´t alienate everyone you know, but you still have control over how much you want to say and when.

Blogs and social networking sites have very similar features. Is Twitter simply too reduced in scope to make any kind of real impact? Will people find it too simple?