Maybe its a genetic thing? Look at our Founding Fathers; prolific letter writers for the most part. Of course, there was no other way to communicate then, Though Americans may come by this need to communicate thing naturally, it does seem that many are way too anxious to prattle on about anything, everything and nothing.
Is it really a waste of time? To me it is learning. So many new things to learn makes life full. My next project before the twit will be Rat Maintenance! Mama will love this one!