I've become concerned about this Twitter thingamabob.Previously, people have been upset that Facebook is "watching" them! That it targets adverts on the side at key words you put in status updates in the hope that you'll click it and give the owners (probably Jonathon Face and Stevie Book) some pennies. I'm less concerned with Facebook's watchful eye and moreso with that of the Twitter monitor (or TWonitor as it will inevitibly be called).
This comes from a conversation I was holding via Twitter with a friend of mine who was complaining that Shag Bands are being banned (those obnoxious things ten year olds wear to prove how far they have gone with a boy). I made the response back that selling Shag Bands are no better than going into ASDA to buy a 5-year-old's size shirt that says "Sex Symbol" or something. It was a very flippant observation in the heat of a debate.
I thought no more of this until I had a message from ASDA THEMSELVES who had been monitoring my conversation with my friend as soon as I typed those incriminating four words...ASDA! They said that they wanted to know immediately which store I saw this offensive shirt in and they would contact them ASAP. Suddenly my simple, comical comment to a pal was turned into a potential sacking! The fact that ASDA took the time out to comment me many people will think is good because it shows that they are concerned about customer service. But if they had taken a little more time to read the post before erupting in their pants they would have probably come to the conclusion that is was a remark not to be taken seriously.
With the amount of people tracking key words and phrases on Twitter using that handy dandy search feature it means monitoring people is quick and easy (hence how ASDA man got ahold of me) and allows them to slidle into any given conversation and grab you by the virtual shoulder.
Whilst I am concerned I will continue to use Twitter. I like the service, but am now extremely wary of how my words are being used.