Pew Research analyzed thousands of Twitter conversations, and identified 6 different conversational archetypes. Each type of conversation network is shaped by the topic being discussed and the participants engaging in the conversation. It is interesting to note which of the different archetypes have connected or disconnected users.
There are polarized crowds – Twitter users who are discussing polarized topics and do not interact with other groups that disagree with them. Then there are the tight crowds, which are usually professional groups or conference-based topics where they are sharing information and ideas, and where users tend to be interacting and connected.
Next come brand clusters, where topics have large Twitter followings around brands or celebrities. There is usually mass interest but little interactivity between users. For brands this might be the place to innovate and create opportunities for engagement and connection between followers.
Community clusters are created around global news events, with groups forming around multiple news sources, and are usually disconnected from each other. Also disconnected are broadcast networks which represent users who follow news pundits. Support networks are generated by organizations that respond to complaints and customer requests, another network with little interactivity between users.
