Journos love a good story about the latest social networking craze. News outlets have been full of stories about Facebook and Myspace for years. But now, it seems, there’s a new kids on the block. Twitter. The runt of the social media pack has finally gone mainstream, leaving nobody in any doubt that the micro-blogging upstart has arrived. Whether you ‘get it’ or actually use it is another matter altogether, but it doesn’t stop the media latching on. Witness the hysteria in the Sydney Morning Herald recently:

• Politicians twitter throughout address to Congress like bored schoolchildren
• Armstrong’s Twitter plea: find my stolen bike
• Twittering celebs tell all from Oscars parties

Despite the hype, Twitter is very much a David to the Facebook Goliath. A quick look at Google search volumes over the last 12 months shows us (click for larger image):

The above image tells us less about Twitter’s booming popularity, and more about the sheer volume of Facebook searches – an incredibly large amount. Twitter has some way to go before it comes anywhere near the popularity of a Facebook or Myspace.

Nonetheless, if you’re the kind of person that likes to make sure they’re abreast of what’s happening, take the Two Week Twitter Challenge (an idea stolen directly from BCM digital god and Twitter addict Michael) and give it a good solid go for a fortnight. Add all your friends and see if it sticks. It’s worth a try!

Check out these related posts:

1. Christmas: Goodwill, gifts, plum pudding and… Facebook?
2. Facebook or ‘Stalkbook’?
3. There’s a lot of dust about on Twitter
4. Twitter – not just inane micro-blogging
5. Twitter security concerns – not just the password kind!