Twittering

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/connected/main.jhtml?xml=/connected/2008/04/12/dlclaud112.xml



The idea of commenting on events in real time undoubtedly has its merits. Humans are sociable creatures by nature and so sharing experiences is one of the most natural things we can do. We're also incredibly forgetful, so the idea of immediate recording means a lot of inspiring thoughts or amusing annecdotes are less likely to be lost or weakened in the time lag between an event and logging on (or picking up a pen if you're a traditionalist). But there would also seem to be an increasing danger of weakining the experience itself, particularly when the event is something designed to fill and absorb the witness for a set time period - such as in art. Going to a play and being able to discuss a scene with other audience members while sitting in the auditorium may heighten the sense of being at a shared theatrical event, a concept fundamental to many contemporary dramateurs, but the very act of communication breaks the circle of concentration into which the production aims to seduce its audience.



The magic spell, which enables punters to laugh or cry is easily broken by someone in the row behind unsubtly offering around toffee eclairs, let alone telling you she thinks the actor on the left has his wig on wonky. It's hard to feel real empathy with a character once you become aware of the artifice of production.