Study sees more Twitter use among adults

More adults are using Twitter, according to a new survey.

As of last month, 13 percent of online adults use the popular microblogging site, up from 8 percent in November, according to a survey with 2,277 respondents from the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project.

The research also found growing use among blacks -- 25 percent, up from 13 percent; and 25-to 34-year-olds -- 19 percent, up from 9 percent.

Marina Montes of Port Jefferson has been using Twitter for just about five weeks, and on Tuesday she tweeted: "So deeply in love with #twitter -- regretting that it took me this long to get to know you ;)"

A new law school graduate, Montes, 26, has been using Twitter -- where people converse in tweets of 140 characters or fewer -- to promote urSwim, her new swim instruction business, saying "it's a great way to connect with people in your industry."

What's behind the increase? "Barriers to entry are low," says Aaron Smith, Pew senior research specialist. Also, users understand better its value.

Many entrepreneurs are coming on board with an eye to growing their businesses, says George Torres, a social media consultant in Freeport.

Peter Shelly, 25, of Port Jefferson, who opened a personal account in college, just started a new Twitter account, @pollina tebr, for the business he's launching, Pollinate Branding.

Montes actually launched three new accounts: @legally marina for personal observations, @Urswimming for the business and @MissLongIsland for the pageant title she holds. "It's a great way for customers to know who we are," she said.