Google “Twitter,” and the first search result says, “Twitter: What are you doing?” The follow-up question that comes to mind is does anyone really care? I think that’s the reason I avoided signing up for an account. But through recent researching, I’ve discovered some things that have made me reconsider.

An ABC News article mentioned how the recession has caused more people to join online dating services and social networking sites. Forums provide a medium for people to engage with others, share their thoughts and have an open — we’re talking cyberspace open — dialogue with others.

So it makes sense that Twitter’s following, according to Nielson ratings, has had an astounding 1382% increase from February 2008 to February 2009. Twitter lets subscribers ask questions, get advice or just express how they feel. Twitter does this in a compact way that, according to Twitter.com, is an “antidote to information overload.” (That 140 character limit is a real fan-favorite.)

Politicians talk about what they’re working on, where they’re campaigning and even what they think about recent events. In fact, you can search for your state’s “congresstweeple” on Tweet Congress. News organizations update Twitter with the latest news and those who subscribe get it instantly. The news isn’t the only Twitter lure. Celebrities are another big reason why people join. Ashton Kutcher has almost 1 million people who care about what he has to say all day, everyday.

Real people also find reasons to sign up for Twitter. Zeeshan Hyder, 22, joined a few months ago just to follow basketball players. He says he hasn’t updated his own profile in months.

Michelle Hadi posts Lakers updates on Twitter. During games, she uses an “extreme amount of Twitter.”

“I don’t follow friends, I follow celebrities,” admitted the 21-year-old Hadi. “I think it’s stupid, but I can’t put it down.”

Those who aren’t into following celebrities or sending out personal updates often find Twitter pointless.

“Well, I figure I’m not important enough to have a Twitter,” Samantha Chui, 20, said. “I mean, do people really need to know every single minute what I’m doing? It’s kind of weird, like TMI.”

Twitter disagrees. Under their “Why section” on their homepage, it states, “Because even basic updates are meaningful to family members, friends, or colleagues — especially when they’re timely.”

Alana Taylor, a student blogger from New York University, writes that Twitter is so popular “because it has created Micro Fame.” Selfishness and greed are natural parts of human nature and having people “follow” you — having people care about what you’re doing at every moment creates this feeling of Micro Fame that can be undeniably attractive.

In fact, it might be the desire for Micro Fame that separates people like Hadi from others like Hyder and Chui. I don’t plan on creating an account for myself, but perhaps if I have the urge, I’ll subscribe to someone that gives me daily news updates, jokes or interesting info I need — in 140 characters or less.

Do you tweet? Follow i am that girl on Twitter.

photo by nathan makan

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A few years ago, photojournalist Rachel Harbut saw a video on the Tsunami that struck Indonesia. Compelled by its message and images, she showed a friend the same video. Equally mesmerized, the friend proceeded to ask her what had happened. Given that the tsunami tragedy was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, not to mention its status as headline news, Rachel was stunned. She says, “Not hearing about a natural disaster wiping over 230,000 people really says something about your world awareness, if not character.”

Inspired by the video, Rachel was on to something big. Her love for newspaper publication and passion for world awareness, left her no choice but to go digital. With just her laptop and YouTube, she started creating media presentations to promote world issues, educate her peers and encourage people to get involved. “I want people to know how fortunate we are in the U.S. and how easy it is for us to help. We have so many resources,” Rachel says.

Want to make a difference but don’t know where to start? Rachel suggests starting with the Internet. “It’s as simple as using Google. You’ll be amazed the little effort it takes to make a huge difference,” she says. Supporting an organization through online participation is an easy way to make a difference. Rachel recommends Nabuur.com, an online volunteering platform that links online volunteers with local communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Through the site, volunteers and local communities learn about each other, share ideas and find solutions to local issues.

Social networking sites are another great resource because they help establish connections and enable us to reach a global audience. Facebook Causes, for example, is a simple and easy way to make a difference in the world around us. “Use the Internet for good things and be a part of something that lasts. The Web’s resources can make a positive impact across the globe… it’s simple. It’s logical. It’s only fair,” stresses Rachel.

The crisis in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and an issue dear to Rachel. This global issue is responsible for  45,000 deaths each month and reigns supreme for committing the world’s worst crimes against children and women. Considered the most deadly war since WWII, the conflict in DRC is in need of urgent attention.

Have the desire to help but find it difficult to donate? “You can still help even during hard times and the recession. It’s not always about money. Spread knowledge and be compassionate about something other than yourself,” Rachel says.

Through videos, Rachel hopes to redirect the world’s attention and focus of the media. “Don’t be fooled by the Britney Spears image. There’s much more to life than that. For those that thrive on peace building or just willing to help, here’s an opportunity to make a big difference. Collaborate with others, encourage healthy ways of living and promote peace. Don’t forget to share it with the rest of the world,” Rachel advises.

Check out one of Rachel’s videos:

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Light years away from retirement but already suffering from memory lapses? You’re not alone. According to a study by the University of Virginia, mental powers peak at the age of 22 and start to dwindle at 27. But don’t worry; you can prevent cognitive decline with a few simple activities that’ll fortify your mental juggernaut. Just using your noodle will build extra brain connections and slow dementia. Here are some ways to keep your mind sharp.

Exercise. Physical exercise not only builds muscle—it builds brain tissue too. Researchers from the University of Illinois discovered that aerobic exercise increases brain volume in adults. And adding strength training will reduce memory-damaging amino acids and increase brain hormones that help you focus. So get physical every week, and you’ll amp up your brainpower along with your physique.

Solve puzzles. Think crosswords and Sudoku are just for idle times? A University of Alabama study says otherwise. Scientists discovered that mental activities sharpened the acuities of older participants so much that their brains acted like those of people more than a decade younger. If these seniors saw this much improvement, think of how much your youthful noggin will gain with a simple brainteaser from the Sunday paper.

Learn something new. Staying intellectually stimulated has infinite benefits to your mental health, and it’s especially important when you can easily get bogged down by routine. Learn Italian or pick up photography, and you’ll keep your brain engaged by throwing some new challenges its way.

Google away. If books aren’t your thing, you’ll be happy to know that UCLA scientists have found that Googling may be more stimulating than reading. Searching the internet activates parts of your brain that reading does not, and these key areas are centers for decision-making and complex reasoning. Also, the more you click around the better – regular Internet surfers log in almost 3 times more brain activity than novices.

Link items together. “Chaining” or the link method is the most basic strategy for enhancing your memory. Remember items by linking them together with connecting images. For example, to link a shoe, a piano, and a tree, think of a shoe dancing on a piano underneath a tree. The crazier the images, the more easily they’ll stick. Start with a short list of 5 items and work your way up.

Use your other hand. A Duke University neurobiologist claims that “neurobics” (or brain aerobics) stimulate nerve cells in areas of the brain that house memory and abstract thought. Neurobics include doing everyday activities with your nondominant hand. Try brushing your teeth or washing your face with your weaker palm, and you’ll jolt yourself out of autopilot.

Meditate. Boost your mental fitness by learning how to relax. A Massachusetts General Hospital study reported growth in the cortex of meditating participants, and another study at the University of Kentucky found that meditators performed better then nonmeditators on mental tests. So get in the habit of taking at least 15 minutes each day to sit upright, close your eyes, and breathe yourself into heightened cognitive capability.

photo by art geek

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Because of your bullet-proof resume and your dazzling cover letter, congrats! You scored an interview. But before you celebrate by prematurely spending your first paycheck, remember that you’ve only made it through the first round of cuts. For most job-seekers, the interview is the most nerve-wracking and sweat-inducing part of the application process. So go into it prepared. Follow these tips, and you’ll walk into that interview feeling calm, cool, and ready to rock it.

Anticipate the questions. You don’t have to be a psychic to predict what you’ll be talking about in your interview. Most questions are common across all industries, which means you can guess what you’ll be asked and prepare your answers beforehand. Some staple questions are “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?” “Why do you want to work here?” and “Where do you see yourself in five years?” For industry-specific questions, scour the internet or check your school’s career center.

Research the company. Just as you’ve done with your resume and cover letter, know everything you can about the position you’re vying for. Businesses are narcissistic, and they want to hire applicants who show interest in what they do. So browse the company website, Google recent news about the company, and study trends that are happening in the industry right now. Key items to know are the company’s mission statement, names of upper management (like the CEO and founders), and current projects. Demonstrate that the employers are exactly what you’re looking for, and they might realize that they’ve been looking for you too.

Research yourself. The interview is the first time you’ll have some actual one-on-one contact with a face in the company. And the only way to make a personal impact is by knowing yourself first. Choose relevant experiences to talk about, figure out how this position aligns with your career goals, and understand your strengths and weaknesses. If you don’t know what you can offer, then don’t expect to be hired. So figure out who you are, what you want, and what you can give.

Tell a story. It’s not enough to list your accomplishments in a rapid spitfire. Hiring managers already know that from your resume. What they don’t know is the complete story of your experiences: give a beginning, middle, and end when you recount your past jobs. Try to detail an obstacle you faced, how you solved it, and the effects of your solution. Businesses want efficient problem-solvers, which means tales of leadership go a long way. Also, don’t be afraid to show off your personality. HR searches for people who will fit in with the company environment, not taciturn drones who are just there as cogs in the machinery.

Practice makes perfect. Even after all your preparation, you’re not done until you’ve rehearsed what you’re going to say. The interview should feel like a conversation, and in order to keep that flow going, you need to be comfortable with your answers. Review your responses in front of the mirror, or ask a friend to help you out. Just practice enough times so you can feel natural and relaxed during the real deal.

photo by pulpolux photos

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