By Mike Kirchner

Nearly half of AHS students who responded to an AHSneedle survey use both Twitter and Facebook to connect to friends. Of the 70 students who reported their social networking preferences, 29 said they use both. Twenty-two use Facebook and 17 use Twitter. Two students said “other.”

Students who use Facebook prefer it over Twitter. Senior Stormy Christensen said she thinks that “Twitter is basically just a re-do of Facebook and its stupid.” Senior Danielle Lambert said she likes “Facebook better because you can upload tons of photos . . . IM your friends / family and play games when you are bored.” Sophomore Cestra Dodson said she prefers Facebook “because I play games and chat and join groups and have events.”

Some students say they use Twitter because it is simple to use. Junior Leah Tjepkes said, “Twitter’s layout is simple compared to how Facebook sets their web page.”

“I like Twitter better than Facebook because there’s less annoying advertisements and people don’t send you game requests that you don’t want.” says Sophomore Erin Shannon.

“I choose Twitter over Facebook. Because I think Twitter is easier to get in touch with people you don’t normally see in school. Twitter I think will take over the Internet.” says Junior Zac Nelson

“I no longer have a Twitter account, but when I did have it I liked it better than Facebook. I liked it because I could just tweet about the pointless stuff in my life and not have to worry about my parents seeing it, not that I have anything to hide though. It was also quick and short, sweet, and to the point, it wasn’t complicated like Facebook.” says Freshman Taylor Berns

The majority of the students at AHS said that they use both Twitter and Facebook. Freshman Madison Helvie said she uses both to help her “connect with old friends or family that may not live close to me anymore. Also, it keeps me informed on things.”

Senior Diana Perkins says she uses both Facebook and Twitter “because they allow me to stay caught up in the lives of friends who live far away.”

“I mostly use Facebook. I’m on it everyday. I check Twitter when I have time which is mostly everyday too.” says Senior Alaura Schuler.

Freshman Kyle Nelson, who uses both Twitter and Facebook, says he uses them “to stay connected and stay up to date on what’s going on.”

One of the questions asked on the survey was “Which one do you prefer? Twitter or Facebook.”  The 30 out of 77 of the responses were “I use both.”