This post is based on this article. The headline read, “Twitter is monetizing your compulsiveness.” Great…what now, Twitter?
Based on the media diets of the class, I know most of us are active Twitter users. Because we like to stay up to date on all the latest information, we likely refresh our feeds often. If that’s the case, Twitter has already made a lot of money from the students in JOMC 240.
Each time you refresh your Twitter feed, the site makes a tenth of a penny. Now, that may not seem like a lot of money at first, but think about how long you’ve had Twitter and how many times you’ve refreshed the page or the app. I know I’ve made them quite a bit of money.
To increase their profits even more, Twitter gives advertisers the opportunity to add a sponsored tweet to your feed; you refresh to see more tweets, and advertisers will provide sponsored information about their company or trending topics.
The most interesting thing about the company is the fact Twitter can actually profit from the users of their website and mobile app without having the users purchase anything. They are monetizing a behavior, a habit. Most importantly, Twitter is making money and the user isn’t losing any. Other websites and apps need to take note of this unique system, because it’s the ultimate happy medium.
If a growing bank account made a noise, I’m sure it would sound oddly familiar to Twitter’s refresh “pop.”