A Critical Appraisal of the Twitterverse

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide a critical appraisal of the Twitterverse, with a particular focus on reviewing the literature identifying the harmful and predatory activities that emerge and proliferate in this vast virtual public sphere. It also highlights the forms of anti-social, manipulative, and incendiary behaviours that are magnified by some of its users (the Twitterati). Although these dismal attributes are not the creations or planned intent of Twitter by any means, this paper emphasizes that the Twitterverse nurtures a new public sphere in which such nefarious and anti-social elements can thrive and multiply. The findings of the review suggest that Twitter’s popularity and expanse allow for a host of predatory behaviours and activities to go grow unfettered, with concomitant implications for individuals, societies, and polities.

Keywords: Twitter, Tweet, Hate Speech, Islamophobia, Racism, Trolls, Election, Politics, Social Media