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Why You Need a Twitter (And Who to Follow)

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Maine chapter.

 
            These days us collegiette’s are so busy with classes, jobs and a social life it’s pretty difficult to keep up with everything else outside of that. Enter Twitter! With succinct bits of information the website encourages efficiency and streamlines keeping up with everyone.
 
            Why is having a Twitter so great? You’ve only got 140 characters to work with, so you’d better keep it clever. This also means that unlike Facebook people are limited to how much they can share with you – news accounts can’t give you the full story so you just get the headline. It’s up to you whether or not you read the full article. You’ll be exposed to all the breaking news without having to read in-depth stories about them.

            The limitation on length also means you won’t feel forced to read someone’s full biography or those awful chain messages begging you to re-post. If someone’s tweet is just a sentence it won’t be too cumbersome to read, and even if you don’t read it you aren’t missing much.
 
            For those of you who are now convinced, and those who are looking to spice up their Twitter feed here are some of my favorites to follow.
 
 
News:
 
@HuffPostWomen: A branch of the Huffington Post, but related solely to issues women deal with. Some recent tweets include:
 
What sort of messages are being conveyed to young girls these days? http://t.co/cdHuqcC
 
Ideas to cover up skin imperfections http://t.co/MOGIbnw
 
@BreakingNews: A comprehensive breaking news guide from all over the world. Some recent tweets include:
 
At least 11 people killed in spiraling violence between Christian and Muslim youths in central Nigeria – Reuters http://t.co/n7HX15J
 
All of Texas under red flag warning due to fire danger; estimated 14,000 acres burned and at least 300 homes – KVUE http://t.co/kLUR1lo
 
 
Culture:
 
@ThoughtCatalog: An occasionally comical online magazine written by 20 somethings about semi-serious issues (sometimes not serious at all).  Some recent tweets include:
 
An Open Letter To The Man Who Made Me Cry At The Sushi Counter http://t.co/5IF5FKg
 
A Checklist For People In A Relationship http://t.co/zrKbnk5
 
5 Boys Who Told Me They’d Love Me Forever, Who Don’t Talk To Me Anymore http://t.co/1VGRR8v
 
 
@FirstWorldPains: A twitter account mocking our inability to be thankful for what we have. Some recent tweets include:
 
The scroll-wheel on my mouse broke so now I have to manually click and drag webpages up and down. #firstworldpains
 
My office turns the AC down so low I need to wear a jacket while sitting at my desk. #firstworldpains
 
My phone has a faster Internet connection than my PC. #firstworldpains
 

@Lord_Voldemort7
: Yes, it’s the Dark Lord. And he’s on Twitter! He hates everyone, but you can’t help agree with some of his logic. Some recent tweets include:
 
Happy Labor Day is trending. If this is because you’re celebrating the holiday, enjoy. If you’re pregnant, welcome to hell.
 
#nothingwrongwith being yourself. Unless you suck. In which case you should be someone better.
 
I’d like to see a makeup company with an honest slogan. “You’re tragic looking, slop this goop on your face and maybe you’ll look better”
 
 
Celebrities:
 
@MindyKaling: Writer, producer and Kelly Kapoor from The Office, she’s hilariously witty and relatable. Some recent tweets include:
 
I’m not wishing Beyonce happy birthday on twitter because I am wishing it to her in person on our yacht we share because we’re close friends
 
Ugh blegh “elegant refreshing cold summer soups” are so wasted on me
 
Hey hey hey, I love PCs but if anyone builds a PC store my house while I’m out I will be pissed.
 
@RobHuebel: Actor from “I Love You Man” and “Life As We Know It” he’s a little edgy, so don’t follow if you’re easily offended.
 
I think these people just saw me nude sunbathing. Now they must die. http://t.co/XtsDEwP
 
Way too hungover. Gotta watch “Intervention” to feel better about myself.
 
Sometimes I wish my Dad was as understanding as Dexter’s dad.
 

@ChelseaHandler
: Star of Chelsea Lately on E! and brazenly outspoken, she’s thoroughly entertaining to follow. Some recent tweets are:
 
Go see our idiot brother this weekend people. I’m in it playing elizabeth banks.
 
If someone melted cheese on my foot, I’d probably eat it.
 
Do you ever feel like taking a shower is more of a favor to other people?
 
UMaine related:
 
@UMaineProblems: A relevant account dedicated to broadcasting us UMaine students know all too well. Some recent tweets include:
 
someone tell the Bear Brew that squiggly line effects may be cool on a few pics but it’s overkill when its on every SINGLE 1 #umaineproblems
 
Jealous of the freshman. You come here and think there’s so many hot people, but by Junior year u realize how wrong you were #umaineproblems
 
Nooo, it’s not at all annoying that you’re sitting alone at a round table meant for 5 in the Union at noon. #umaineproblems
 
@UMaineNews: Showcases the most recent news update relevant to UMaine students: Some recent tweets include:
 
Census data show that Maine has high percentage of same-sex couples: Stephen Marks, UMaine professor emeritus of… http://t.co/h4G205I
 
UMaine students to appear in television program: UMaine will host the premiere of the first episode of Schooled,… http://t.co/v4j57r7
 
Tomato Video Featured on Website: A video produced by UMaine Cooperative Extension about what to do with harvest… http://t.co/rmNeKo4
 

@BlackBearNation
: A succinct update to UMaine Athletic Games. Some recent tweets include:
 
Field Hockey Defeats Bryant 7-3 http://t.co/cwmoTxi
 
Women’s Soccer: Iona 1, Maine 1 (Final – 2OT) Women’s Soccer Battles to 1-1 Draw With Iona http://t.co/MPE6l6w
 
Freshman Annabelle Hamilton scores the game-winner in overtime giving Maine Field Hockey a 4-3 win over #14 Boston College!