The Icon asked Alli Walbolt, our ONU intern, to explain Twitter to us and to viewers. Her explanation follows in a typical "Twitter" format. Except for her own name, the names here are imaginary.

If you have a social media question, sent it to [email protected]. We'll forward it to Alli.

David Hartman @DHartman289
@Alli_Walbolt What is Twitter?

Alli Walbolt @Alli_Walbolt
@DHartman289 It’s a social media site to help you connect with friends, customers, or family by writing short messages they can read.

Nicole Brown @NikkiM1911
Why should I use Twitter?
Retweeted by David Hartman

Alli Walbolt @Alli_Walbolt
@NikkiM1911 To promote a business, keep in touch with friends & relatives, know what they’re doing & tell them what you’re doing.

John Pettis @Pettis124
How do I post?
Retweeted by Alli Walbolt

Alli Walbolt @Alli_Walbolt
@Pettis124 On the homepage there’s a box saying Compose new Tweet… Write what you want to say under 140 characters & click the button Tweet

Caitlin Barker @Caitlin_Barker
@Alli_Walbolt What does it mean to follow someone?

Alli Walbolt @Alli_Walbolt
@Caitlin_Barker The newsfeed on your homepage will feature tweets that people you follow have written.

Bill Foreman @Bill1717
@Alli_Walbolt Who should I follow?
Retweeted by Alli Walbolt

Alli Walbolt @Alli_Walbolt
@Bill1717 Friends, Family, Politicians, favorite businesses, celebrities, etc. With millions of users, the possibilities are endless.

Kara Drummond @KP_Drummond
Are there privacy settings?
Retweeted by John Pettis

Alli Walbolt @Alli_Walbolt
@KP_Drummond In settings theres a box that allows your tweets to be only seen by the people who follow you & you can allow or deny followers

The Dinostore @Dinostore
@Alli_Walbolt Can I promote my business on Twitter?

Alli Walbolt @Alli_Walbolt
@Dinorstore Yes. It is a perfect way to advertise & get your products out to the public. Tweet about products, deals or specials

Elvira Holt @EllieHolt_1975
What are retweets?
Retweeted by Alli Walbolt

Alli Walbolt @Alli_Walbolt
@EllieHolt_1975 You can retweet someone’s tweet so the rest of your followers can read it or someone can do the same for one of your tweets.

Diana Callanan @DLC572
@Alli_Walbolt What are Hashtags?

Alli Walbolt @Alli_Walbolt
@DLC572 It’s a word or multiple words used after the symbol # that you can click and see who else used that hashtag.

Jeremiah Henry @J_Henry192
What are trends?
Retweeted by Diana Callanan

Alli Walbolt @Alli_Walbolt
@J_Henry Hashtags or words that are being most frequently used in tweets around a certain city, just the U.S. or in the world.