Too Many Tweets May Make A Twit

Jack Dorsey christened as 'Twitter' the product he created to provide 'a short burst of inconsequential information'. To its detractors, the website lives up to its name by providing a platform for millions of users to talk about what they are having for lunch or what nail varnish they are wearing.

But to its advocates, it is a unique and hugely beneficial tool by which to spread bite size pieces of information and encourage people to 'virtually' stay in touch. Championed by celebs and protest groups alike, Twitter now boasts over 500m users worldwide and has revolutionised communication, allowing anyone to spread their message instantly to a global audience.

Many have cottoned on to the website's potential – it has been used variously to sell products and services, supplement news coverage, boost profiles and organise mass disobedience – from uprisings in the Arab Spring to last summer's London riots to the Occupy protests around the globe.

As with any revolution, Twitter brings with it great opportunity but also creates uncertainty and risk. The informality and immediacy of the service...