For anyone spending time on Twitter, they may begin to notice the “@” symbol disappearing. Twitter is attempting to make their network more accessible for new users. The @ symbol is used to indicate who you are talking to or about on Twitter. Most other social media platforms do not use the symbol. Facebook, for example, takes note that you are mentioning someone and tags them for you.
The core factor driving this move is the falling growth of Twitter’s user-base. Twitter’s CEO, Dick Costolo, speculates that using shorthand codes or a symbol on Twitter are what is deterring new users from joining or staying with the site. @, # and RT are just a few of the “codes” that those just joining Twitter might be confused by. The ordinary Twitter user wants to read excellent content, not decipher codes.
In the last quarter, Twitter has barely been treading water, only bringing in 1 million users in the U.S., making their user base 54 million, the previous quarter they only brought in 9 million new users. What is even more problematic is that of those on Twitter, 1 billion have stopped using their accounts.
Costolo has asked his team to run some tests to simplify the user experience. Removing the @ symbol, and also the # symbol, has been one of those tests. The goal is to have users immediately “get” how to use Twitter, versus some people taking a week or so to understand the platform.
For me, I grew up seeing the progression of Twitter, so reading “the code” of @s and #s has become innate. I can see how a symbol or code can be confusing to those not constantly exposed to it, though. The fate of @ may seem trivial, but killing it may be the key to Twitter’s bounce back.
What do you think? Is Twitter too confusing with all of its symbols or fine the way it is? Share your thoughts below!
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Photo Credit: Jeffrey Rodgers