Twitter Replaces The Paparazzi

Twitter is defined as a service for friends, family and co-workers through the exchange of quick frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? It is a micro blogging service that allows people to talk about anything they want using up to 140 characters or less and it is without a doubt one of the fastest growing web applications to date.

Here’s an interesting concept. Is it possible that an application as simple as Twitter could replace the need to read the tabloids  and view the photos and videos captured by the bold and brash paparazzi? This came to mind after seeing Sean “Diddy” Combs speak to this very topic on The Ellen Show. Take note that he mentions that if there is a rumor about a celebrity, that particular celebrity can take control back by participating in the Twitter world (Twitterverse). They can set it straight for their fans. They can feel empowered. Let’s face it, wouldn’t it be better to hear the truth from the celebs rather than pay the price for the tabloids and read the non-truths and exaggerations?

We all remember the unbelievable tragedy of Princess Diana and the paparazzi. Some of you might have seen this video with Julia Roberts turning the tables on the paparazzi and chasing them down, angry that they were endangering the lives of young school children. And musician John Mayer wrote a very compelling testimonial on his website that he actually read at Los Angeles City Hall on July 31, 2008 regarding the blatant carelessness of the paparazzi.

One of the most popular celebrities on Twitter, with over 600,000 followers is Ashton Kutcher (you can follow him @aplusk). He and his wife, the lovely Demi Moore (@mrskutcher), are more than generous in sharing information with their fans through Twitter.

They both post spontaneous photos (twitpics) and real time information on their whereabouts and goings on. Ashton is currently filming a movie in France and he has videos as well as photos immediately available to view if you are following him. There is no way the paparazzi or any tabloid can get the info out before he does.

Something that @mrskutcher posted to a fan the other day brought to mind the comments Sean “Diddy” Combs made on Ellen. A fan sent her a tweet concerned about something she had read in a tabloid and Ms. Moore’s response was “please do not ever trust or believe the tabloids check out our twit posts twitpics and videos posted here for the real deal!!!” The honesty and openness she and her husband share with the Twitterverse is so much more interesting than what is written in the tabloids. Twitter may well be the new medium.