I just don't get twitter. I started "using it" in 2011, but it feels weird. Only big brands promoting stuff, instead of keeping me in touch with people I care a

I just don't get twitter. I started "using it" in 2011, but it feels weird. Only big brands promoting stuff, instead of keeping me in touch with people I care about. That what is all about, right? Same is happening with Facebook, I see less and less stuff from people and more from brands / pages. Can somebody explain me point of Twitter in current phase and in early (pre 2010)?