Google launch their own social media website - but what's new?
Entertainment & media
Comment | 16 August 2011
The competition for technology companies to become involved with, and capture a slice of the social networking space, is as competitive as ever. With rumours that Facebook is set to go public around the end of the year with a potential value of $100bn, it is no wonder.
One of those companies looking to cash in on the lucrative social networking space is Google. Google recently launched its own social networking platform, Google+. Essentially it is just another social network, however, Google hope that subtle differences from other networks will make it stand out from the crowd. It wants to make connecting with people more like real-world connections.
If reports that Google+ is the fastest growing social networking platform ever are true (reaching 25 million users, and, growing at a rate of 1 million users a day), you had better get used to phrases such as ‘The Stream’, ‘Circles’, ‘Hangouts’ and ‘Sparks’; as these features will quickly become part of your everyday vocabulary.
Of course, a new social network will bring with it opportunities and challenges. Those who have taken to the social media world will embrace the fact that a door has opened up to yet another global target audience and market place. However, most of the users of this new network will likely be the same ones as those using the existing networks, so only time will tell whether competition such as this will be good for users and those looking to reach them, or not.
All said, the threat posed by social media to issues such as privacy and reputation will increase. Keeping a close eye on developments across social media, educating where necessary and implementing suitable policies if appropriate, are all steps which will ensure that you are able to maximise the benefits of social media and reduce the potential for hiccups.
To learn more about Google+, click here: