John Mayer defies social media logic by leaving Twitter

John Mayer shuns Twitter

John Mayer has shocked the social media world by voluntarily closing one of the most successful accounts on Twitter.

The American musician had more than 3.7 million followers? making it the 11th largest Twitter profile overall, according to TwitterCounter. However, a spokesman for the star told the Associated Press that he stopped his account with his Battle Studies Tour "now at a close and a return to the studio planned".

Lost social media marketing opportunities

It is a move that has dumbfounded social media analysts, since it means he will no longer be able to communicate directly with millions of fans. However, he has vowed to continue operating on fellow microblogging service Tumblr.

In a post on his tumblelog, Mr Mayer noted that he has notched up 50,000 followers in five months. He added: "I will leave the opining up to you, but I think I made the right move."

Of course, Mr Mayer is not the first high-profile social media user to consider abandoning Twitter. Last year, British comedian Stephen Fry threatened to leave after becoming disillusioned by the number of negative comments he was receiving from fellow users? although he subsequently withdrew the threat.

John Mayer was still some way behind the most popular figures on Twitter. Lady Gaga tops the table with 6.3 million followers, followed by Britney Spears on 5.9 million, Ashton Kutcher on 5.8 million and Barack Obama on 5.4 million.