Master's, bachelor's and … Twitter?

If brevity is king, then Twitter wears a crown.

Social networking has mushroomed across the World Wide Web, connecting thousands of friends, family members and strangers along the way. Twitter is a service that links people via messages restricted to 140 characters and asks users one question: "What are you doing?" The responses can be posted as a picture, video or text and appear instantly to viewers.

In response to commencement at the University of Utah Friday, Clayton Norlen, a reporter for the Deseret News and participating graduate, texted updates to his Twitter account throughout the ceremony Friday. His user name is Thisis_this. The following is a transcript of his coverage from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.

9 a.m

Thisis_this OK. Fri, 8 May 2009. Today it is. No Spaghetti Western, this is the U's commencement. David McCullough is the keynote. I'm black cap & gown.

10 a.m.

Thisis_this Four years of education and I don't know where to go. I need an usher. tiny12.tv/H9N2D.

Peachkellipop @thisis_this Congratulations, my friend. I am so happy for you and so so proud. You are great at what you do! Hooray graduation!!

Thisis_this I've just learned the gown looks better ironed. Thank you @pappiness.

Thisis_this Thoughts from graduates: Ana Breton or @missbreton is a mass communication/film major, and an amazing friend. tiny12.tv/QMPVZ.

11 a.m.

Thisis_this twitpic.com/4sggx — Today 7,132 students will graduate with a bachelors degree. Their average age is 26 years old. Their avg GPA is a 3.14.

Brinley Woo! Way to go, @thisis_this! Congraduations! i mean congratulations!

Noon

Peachkellipop@thisis_this it's as if I'm right there with you! I miss you! Hooray congrats! take a picture in your little outfit pls!

Thisis_this University of Utah students from the college of social work walk. #Ceremony tiny12.tv/E7YT7.

Thisis_this Where is journalism going? Communication Graduate Shane Farver wants to help others forge ahead in newmedia. tiny12.tv/TXMWF.

1 p.m.

Thisis_this twitpic.com/4soo9 — Celebrating the moment, recent grads from SBS college share hugs with family. Posted around 1 p.m.