The New Social Network…?

If you thought the tension displayed between Mark Zuckerburg and the Winklevoss twins in The Social Network was intense, take a look at the relationship between Facebook and Google…

In the last few years Facebook has emerged as a huge threat to Google as the dominating force online. Facebook has even gone as far as hiring away many of Google’s top minds to help grow Facebook.  As of now, Google still reigns king in the world of search, but Facebook has created a formula that Google cannot match when it comes to social media. Google has twice tried to create its own social network with Google Wave and Google Buzz. However, each has failed to convert loyal Facebook users in the past and left the search giant looking out of touch with social.  June 28th marked Google’s third attempt at social with the much anticipated Google Plus; they hope that the third times a charm.

Although both products offer very similar user experiences, Google has the potential to leverage its wide variety of successful and established programs to position itself ahead of Facebook. Seamless integration will be the key to Google’s social success. Transitioning from Facebook to Google Plus will have to be an easy process that presents clear benefits to users. If Google is able to integrate some of its other innovative tools like Google Music (still in Beta testing as well), YouTube, Google Voice, and Google Earth, they may have a chance to offer a better product than Facebook. 

After watching reviews and requesting an invitation to test the program, I am excited about Google Plus. If it is able to be simple, innovative, and is well marketed, I think Google Plus has a chance. My biggest problem with it is the name. But I guess I can look past the egocentrism of Google if they can fully integrate this service into the conglomerate of their products that I already use and love.