What are you doing?

Twitter asks its users daily to answer that question in 140 characters or less.

Twitter was launched in August 2006, according to twitter.com. It is both a way for people to keep up with what friends are doing as well as a popular tool for journalists, politicians, celebrities and corporations.

Communication professor Carl Kell said Twitter is in the same communication category as cell phones and texting.

“It has virtues and vices,” he said. “It can be a substitute for self-development and communication development, and extensive substitution is not a good thing.”

According to Nielsen Online, Twitter has nearly 14 million members from the United States, and 65 percent are 25 and younger.

Kumi Ishii, an assistant communication professor, said sites such as Twitter allow users to easily engage in instant communication at multiple levels, whether it’s to develop relationships, seek social support, gain knowledge, or pass time.

“In addition to the personal level … these sites are now used by organizations for publicity,” she said. “As the sites are free, organizations can reach their target audience instantly with less effort than other communication channels.”

Organizations using Twitter include newspapers, television channels, magazines, churches and sports leagues. The organization can be “followed” by Western students who use Twitter to keep up with news, celebrities, and friends.

Who do you follow?

“My sorority sisters and friends from high school to stay in contact. Important politicians like Bill Clinton and John Kerry.” Kat Johns, Bowling Green sophomore.

“John Mayer. he’s one of my favorite artists and he tweets a lot about random stuff.” Liz Floore, Louisville sophomore.

“Rev Run because he has some awesome quotes that he puts up. Cosmo and InStyle because they put up cute polls and fashion stuff.” Danielle Tosti, Boston sophomore.