‘Expert Twitter’ Only Goes So Far. Bring Back Blogs

In an information-stressed world, Expert Twitter—a realm where epidemiologists, virologists, and other specialized professionals tweet daily—has been a surprising ally during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Platforms like Twitter have made it easier than ever to surface urgent insights from niche experts. But their brevity and ephemeral nature leave critical gaps that blogs are uniquely equipped to fill. WIRED

The Strength of Twitter, and Its Limits

Twitter’s real-time feeds and algorithmic reach allowed voices like Trevor Bedford and Cameron Kyle-Sidell to break through to broader audiences, democratizing access to critical expertise. WIRED Yet, tweets are constrained—long threads become messy, disorganized, and quickly buried under the flood of new posts.

Why Blogs Are More Than Just Nostalgia

  • Depth and Longevity: Blogs enable comprehensive, structured elaborations that remain accessible indefinitely—unlike fast-disappearing tweets. WIREDcre8d design
  • Ownership and Control: While social platforms are subject to algorithm shifts and platform risks, blogs are self-hosted or institutionally supported spaces where writers retain control. Social Media TodayThe Verge
  • Better Searchability: Blog posts help people find reliable, long-form content through search engines—content that truly matters long after tweets flutter away. cre8d designBlogNation
  • Room for Thoughtful Conversation: Blogs invite reflective dialogue, thoughtful feedback, and meaningful community building—connector spaces that Twitter simply can’t replicate. cre8d designThe Verge

A Hybrid Information Ecosystem

The optimal approach isn’t to choose one over the other—but to blend their strengths. Twitter can serve as a spark: quick updates, timely alerts, and conversation starters. But for enduring clarity and thorough analysis, blogs are essential. As Cal Newport argued in Wired, what’s needed is a content supply chain: experts tweet, then host elaborated, updated insights on trusted blogs. WIRED


Conclusion

“Expert Twitter” offers immediacy and access—it brings the right voices into the conversation when it matters most. But only blogs provide the structure, control, and depth necessary for sustained understanding. It’s time to reclaim blogging—not as a nostalgia trip, but as a vital, complementary backbone to social media discourse.

If you’re an expert or creator looking to amplify your impact, consider pairing your Twitter presence with a well-maintained blog—yours or institutional. It just might make your insights last.