On the Fence with Google+

As a social media enthusiast, I’m always excited to try out new apps and platforms! When Google+ was announced, I was lucky enough to receive an invite and hopped aboard the Google+ train. It seemed as though users were quick to deem Google+ the Facebook/Twitter killer and I heard numerous proclamations of the ‘best social network yet.’ However, as I started to use Google+ my reaction differed from many of those I was seeing, and today I can say that I’m still on the fence.

Because I work in social media, I’m pretty adept to figuring out new technology and maybe this is the reason for my frustration with Google+. I had a lot of questions and was unable to find answers quickly. Why are random people adding me to their circles? How can I mute users who are clogging up my stream?  What is the point of this platform??

As I began to use Google+ more frequently, I started to get more comfortable with the site and was able to find answers to some of my questions. However, I’m still not sure Google+ has the capability to replace Twitter and/or Facebook.

The problem with Google+ is that it is another tool to add to the growing list of social applications. Is there really room for another social platform? I’m already on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Foursquare and WordPress just to name a few!

Another reason is that I don’t find it to be useful just yet. Google+ is built like Facebook, but runs more like Twitter. I’m having trouble seeing Google+ as the happy medium. All of my personal connections are hosted on Facebook. It’s where I keep in touch with friends and family, upload photos and check out the businesses I frequent often. Twitter is a collection of people I’ve met and people I have yet to meet and who share similar interests. It’s also a great outlet for anything I may want to share with a large audience. I use Twitter and Facebook in two completely different ways, which forces me to ask – how will I use Google+?

I have a few other concerns. There are many people who love Facebook and who find no use for Twitter and vice versa. Who will convert to Google+? Right now, those using it (for the most part) are people interested in technology, social media and public relations. How will Google entice everyone else? I am still trying to explain the benefits of Twitter and Facebook to businesses and to people in general who don’t understand these social platforms. What will be the game-changer that forces people to convert?

Everything aside, I’m anxious to see what’s to come. I will definitely continue to use Google+ and will download the iPhone app the day it’s available. I need to remain informed about anything and everything new in the world of social media, so Google+ will be a mainstay for me. That is, of course, until the next big thing comes along.