Paris, France – In this photo illustration, the Twitter logo is displayed on an iPhone screen in front of a computer screen displaying another Twitter logo. On February 7, 2019, Twitter posted better-than-expected financial results for the last quarter of 2018, showing a 28% increase in net profit and a 4% increase in revenue. However, despite these positive results, the company’s stock is falling. The decline in monthly users by the end of 2018 led Twitter to stop releasing user figures. This decision will take effect in the second quarter of 2019, as stated in the company’s financial results for Q4 2018.
As an active Twitter user, I still find value in the platform, although like many others, I have migrated to different platforms for various needs. From my perspective as a meteorologist, I appreciate Twitter’s ability to provide real-time updates and information on dangerous weather situations. It is a valuable resource for tracking tornadic storms and hurricanes. However, I have concerns about the recent announcement regarding tweet view limits. Will these limits impact weather safety?
According to NPR, Twitter CEO Elon Musk stated that these limits are necessary to prevent other companies from scraping data from the platform. Interestingly, reports suggest that there is also a profit motive behind this decision. Verified accounts will have the privilege of viewing more tweets per day than unverified users. Personally, I used to have a verified account, but as it became a pay-to-play service, its significance and value diminished for me. But that’s beside the point.
My main concern is that many people rely on Twitter for critical information during rapidly evolving weather events. Even the National Weather Service shares this concern. Earlier this spring, Twitter announced limitations on the number of automated tweets that agencies like the National Weather Service could send out. The limit of 50 automated tweets raised valid concerns, as these agencies play a crucial role in disseminating timely and life-saving information during dangerous weather conditions. Fortunately, it seems that Twitter has reconsidered this decision, as confirmed by the platform’s daily news service tweet in April. It appears that certain public-facing agencies and government entities will retain the ability to tweet vital information without restrictions, which is reassuring.
However, my worry remains from a weather perspective. Numerous scholarly studies have highlighted the value of Twitter in disseminating weather information, thanks to its immediate nature and algorithmic visibility. Tweets provide essential details on the location and evolution of hazardous weather systems. They also offer valuable geolocation data for emergency response and decision-making. A comprehensive study by Rob Grace published in the journal Data in Brief in 2020 delves into the significance of “crisis social media,” including Twitter, in these situations.
While Twitter is indeed a useful platform for weather dissemination, a study published in the journal Weather, Climate and Society in 2019 found that it is more popular among weather-inclined individuals and less so among the general public. In comparison, Facebook has a greater reach in the general public, but it presents its own challenges when it comes to weather messaging. Personally, I used to share weather information on Facebook for friends and family, but the unpredictable visibility of posts on that platform made me reconsider its effectiveness. The survey in the same journal identified the preferred platforms for watch and warning information, with phone apps, Facebook, and Twitter being the top choices.
Considering these findings, it is evident that a significant number of people rely on Twitter for weather updates. So, could the tweet view limits for non-verified users affect their ability to make informed decisions during evolving weather events or emergencies? Possibly, but it would likely affect high-volume situations with substantial traffic. It is crucial to remember that Twitter is just one tool among others and should not be the sole source of information in these circumstances. However, it was undeniably a valuable tool in its earlier, more organic days.
Unfortunately, other weather entities are also facing challenges with Twitter. WeatherSTEM, for instance, is a nationally recognized weather observing network that plays a vital role in K-12 and collegiate instruction. It automatically shares real-time weather information and weather-camera feeds during evolving weather situations. Its CEO, Ed Mansouri, voiced his concerns in a web post earlier this year. Though the specific issues may vary, I believe they are linked in some capacity. Twitter provides information on its various limit policies on their website.
On a side note, the introduction of view limits by Twitter has resulted in increased traffic for competing platform Bluesky, even though it is currently in the invite-only testing phase.
In conclusion, while Twitter’s tweet view limits have raised concerns regarding weather safety, it is essential to acknowledge the platform’s value in disseminating critical information during hazardous weather events. The involvement of public-facing agencies and government entities is crucial in ensuring that vital information continues to reach the public without restrictions. Whether through Twitter or other channels, individuals should always ensure they have multiple sources of information to make well-informed decisions in severe weather situations.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
