Over the last 9 months in the United States, the percentage of Twitter users doubled in every age group except the 25-34 group. Therefore, the media age of a Twitter user remains stable at 31 years old.

The Pew Internet Project’s September 2009 survey data shows that internet users who use social network sites are more likely to use Twitter or another status updating service. The more devices you own, the more likely you are to tweet.

More Interesting Data

More women (21%) than men (17%) tweet in the United States. Overall 19% of American adults tweet. One fact is is interesting is that household income is not a factor. You get 20-22% of participation in every income bracket.

+ Pew Internet Project’s September 2009 survey report

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It is not really a surprising news if you ask me. First of all, I told you about the female Internet in autumn 2008. At the time, I reported that Women’s community was the most visited and fastest growing Internet category, tied with politics according to ComScore Media Metrix’s year-end report.

I attributed these statistics to the fact that women are the ones who typically lead conversations, share information amongst themselves and create relationships with their peers. This is basically what social media is all about. What surprised me is what age groups haves the most users. As you can see, it is either 35 to 44 years old or 45 to 55 years old.

I added the more popular age group on the graph produced by Information is Beautiful. The data were compiled by Brian Solis.

+ via a tweet by Miss Rogue

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Roberto Rocca wrote for the Gazette that the tech-savvy crowd now exchanges Twitter accounts instead of paper cards. Roberto is wondering if Twitter is becoming the new business card. This was certainly the case at PodCamp Toronto last February when many wrote their Twitter account name with the @ sign on their name tag.

I always ask people that I meet for the first time if they are on Twitter. As a Twitter devotee, I try to convert as many people as possible on being active on Twitter. If you are new to Twitter, familiarize yourself with the basic Twitter commands. I wrote this post to help you understand the culture behind Twitter.

Broadcasting to the World

You protect your privacy in Twitter by knowing that what you say can be seen and read by anyone in the World. Your tweets will end up on Google. I will go as far as saying that if you cannot overcome the urge of protecting your tweets, Twitter is not necessary for you. Look at Twitter as your public forum. Therefore, you do not post family photos and other personal life items on Twitter. You leave that for Facebook.

Chose Who To Follow

You do not select who decide to follow you and there is no obligation to follow back. A stranger can like what you are saying but you may not be interested by what they are saying. It is OK. I select my followers based on the goal of my brand and my interests.

Update: Having said that, I follow back lots of people. I follow everyone manually. It may happen that I forgot someone interesting once in a while. But I do not want to automatize the process. I do so because  I wish to have a true conversation with the people I follow.

What To Say in Your Tweets

I believe that your tweets should mix 5 things. It holds true for anyone, even if the Twitter account is a business. Twitter is a place where you can:

1. get informed about what is a happening very fast. It is great to receive local and international news. By  following the right crowd, you will get news about your industry or your hobbies
2. listen; learn what people care about, what are their opinions.
3. share your and other ideas, facts and knowledge. Share things that adds value. Always make sure to give the credits to the source. Retweet a tweet; don’t simply copy
4. engage in small talks. TV shows, music, sports and food often get good responses.
5. promote events, a cause, yourself, your blog and even your products. Plus participate in #followfriday and other online Twitter activities

BONUS items:

• access the knowledge of the crowd: you can ask for help or ask a question on Twitter
• plan meet ups or other informal get-together meeting with your friends or the Tweeple in your area.

It is important that you create a balance on your tweets. At the end of the day, the secret is to have interesting stories, add value with your insights and participate in other conversations.

+ Follow me on Twitter
+ Add me as a Facebook friend

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