Twitter is a relatively new idea created in March 2006 (Twitter, 2009). Jack Dorsey created the prototype in hopes of keeping up with what was going on in the lives of his friends (Twitter, 2009). Now large numbers of people follow friends and celebrities on the service.
I’m not afraid of technology but it took me a while to get as savvy as I am. I have a Facebook account, Myspace account, cell phone, and access to email through my Blackberry. It was my thought that I was connected enough. Though I had heard about Twitter, I didn’t consider the need or reason for an account that gave anyone minute by minute updates to your life until now.
Recently my mother had surgery. While it was not a major surgery, due to her age, her having had a stroke within the last two years, and multiple health problems my entire family was nervous. Although it seemed like each minute took hours, we kept busy and tried to remain optimistic while waiting on an update from the surgeon. When the surgery took longer than expected, we yearned for some update to say everything was okay. Eventually we spoke with the surgeon and he assured us that even with the minor complications, the surgery was a success. We were relieved.
Ironically I was on the internet today and saw an article about Twitter being an open door to the operating room. The article detailed a new process used by the surgery team at St. Lukes Hospital that involves a hospital spokesperson Twitting periodic updates to the patients family. As the patient’s family stated in the article, the updates removed the anxiety that often accompanies waiting on a loved one. Some people feel that multiple social websites are unnecessary; however this is another way that technology helps in unexpected ways.
Twitter opens a door to Iowa operating room. (2009, September 1). Newsday. Retrieved September 1, 2009, from http://www.newsday.com/business/twitter-opens-a-door-to-iowa-operating-room-1.1414329?localLinksEnabled=false
Twitter. (n.d.). Retrieved September 1, 2009, from http://twitter.com/about#about
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When my mom recently had surgery in January, this would have been so nice to have an update like this every hour or so letting us know how it was going. The surgery took longer than expected and then she was in recovery longer than expected so needless to say, we were very anxious. I do have an account on Twitter but I have not been on it much (school work) but I will plan on checking it out. But I am on Facebook so much that I have not felt the need to get onto this. But this is an awesome way to use this website and I commend the hospital for even thinking of it.
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