Is Miitomo a Better Social Media Service for Friendship than Twitter?
When Miitomo was released last month, a lot of people weren't impressed. Rather than an amazing game, they released a social media service that is essentially aimed at kids. What people didn't realise was how that could be great not just for kids, but for adults too because of how social interaction works on the app.
Miitomo isn't like other social media services, as pretentious as that sounds, because your friendship group can be selective and that means the way you talk can be more open. In the past Twitter was thought of as the best service for forming friendships, but it never allowed you to be selective. Unless you made your page private, anyone could access it and anyone could follow you. It seemed great for interaction and finding new friends, but Miitomo allows you to refine those friendships.
You see, you can't add just anyone on Miitomo. Nintendo friend codes don't work, you can't explore lists of other users and you can't search for someone by their name. You either have to add them face-to-face which requires location data or you could connect Miitomo up to your Twitter or Facebook and find them on your recommended friends. You don't have to say yes to everyone because what you can do is so limited that there would be no point in inviting everyone. You can basically just answer questions and respond to your friend's answers, or you can take photos and again friends can comment or like. You're probably not going to want a work colleague to see you saying that your favourite animal is a "kitty" because they're so "floofeh" as my best friend decided it was amusing to write. It had me in giggles for hours because how the robot sounded saying floofeh. It sounds silly, but that is what Miitomo is great for, some light fun as you answer questions.
When it comes down to it Miitomo is a simple service, as simple as Twitter used to be. You can't use GIFs or emojis, you can't share whatever you like and what you talk about is limited to the topics of answered questions. They can be anything from your favourite fruit to what you look for in a partner. The simplicity is innovative, but maybe still unattractive to a lot of users. If you are interested though it's a wonderful way to refine those online friendships you've formed previously.
 |
| The Guardian |
You see, you can't add just anyone on Miitomo. Nintendo friend codes don't work, you can't explore lists of other users and you can't search for someone by their name. You either have to add them face-to-face which requires location data or you could connect Miitomo up to your Twitter or Facebook and find them on your recommended friends. You don't have to say yes to everyone because what you can do is so limited that there would be no point in inviting everyone. You can basically just answer questions and respond to your friend's answers, or you can take photos and again friends can comment or like. You're probably not going to want a work colleague to see you saying that your favourite animal is a "kitty" because they're so "floofeh" as my best friend decided it was amusing to write. It had me in giggles for hours because how the robot sounded saying floofeh. It sounds silly, but that is what Miitomo is great for, some light fun as you answer questions.
 |
| My Mii | Nintendo |
The ability to only have people you care about and the fact you use Mii's to represent yourself is basically the main reason why Miitomo is so much better. Like Twitter you might feel excited when you see someone say something new, but unlike Twitter the way it's read can sound amazing and you get to see this little Mii representation of your friend answering it. It makes it cute and yes, that might make some things seem weird due to a lack of clear moderation (yes, this means you can swear unlike on other Nintendo products) but it's going to allow you to become closer. Miitomo is still a social network and it's still online, but the only people who will ever see what you say will be people vetted by you. Some of the answers you share between those people will be just between you two and about each other and that could lead to some fascinating conversations. Because you can connect it to Twitter or Facebook this does mean that you can use it in conjunction the other services and get closer to certain friends without everyone seeing. It's great idea and not just a novelty one.
When it comes down to it Miitomo is a simple service, as simple as Twitter used to be. You can't use GIFs or emojis, you can't share whatever you like and what you talk about is limited to the topics of answered questions. They can be anything from your favourite fruit to what you look for in a partner. The simplicity is innovative, but maybe still unattractive to a lot of users. If you are interested though it's a wonderful way to refine those online friendships you've formed previously.
Rosina is a Songbird writer with a degree in Creative Writing. She's trying to focus on her novel on the side but is glad to be playing around with apps and writing about them in the mean time! Follow her @Songbird_Rosina
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Is Miitomo a Better Social Media Service for Friendship than Twitter?
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Monday, April 25, 2016
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Monday, April 25, 2016
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.