The Death of Google+
Google is a game changer. We all know this.
They are so profound that their very existence made way to a new verb. Need to know something? “Google it.”
Google as a Rockstar
Google has unequivocally changed the way we live and learn. Information is at our fingertips with the all-knowing search engine.
Want to know where to eat near you? Google it.
Want to compare flights? Google it.
Want to know the square root of 72693? Google it.
Want to find a new dentist? Google it.
Want to know what’s happening in the world? Google it.
Want to know how to order a beer in Mandarin? Google it.
In likeness, Google has indisputably changed the way we work, schedule, communicate, and collaborate — think Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Hangouts, etc.
Google has even changed the way we travel! Think Thomas Brothers to MapQuest, to “I can’t live without” the Google Maps app on my iPhone. (The discussion on Apple Maps vs Google Maps will be saved for a later date. Ha!)
Google Got Bullied
Like the valedictorian, Google is great at so much, but it can’t be perfect at everything. As the valedictorian studies in their free time and does everything they can get more than perfect grades, you can bet their social life suffers.
Well ladies and gents, that day of social suffering has been real for Google, for many years.
…And it is finally coming to an end.
Yesterday, Google commenced the dismantling of Google+.
Unable to compete with the socialites of its time — Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, and Twitter (yes, even twitter is cooler than Google+) — Google is finally pulling the plug.
The Writing on the Wall
What does this mean for Google+ users?
Nothing.
There were no users.
Okay, maybe a few loyal users but what Ben Smith from Google previously shared was the ultimate writing on the wall.
“90 percent of Google+ user sessions are less than five seconds.” -Ben Smith
This is a social networking platform, not an automated robo call from the IRS — coming in on the landline you didn’t even know you had — during dinner!
Users came, they saw, they conquered Google+ (in all of its glory) all in under 5 seconds. That is telling.
Google+ as
The social network also fell victim to two (admitted) data leaks where the information of tens of millions of “users” was potentially exposed to outside developers. (I use the term “users” lightly. The more correct term is properly registrants.)
So, on top of not being the cool kid on the block, Google+ became a total liability for Google. The data leaks actually reportedly moved up the dismantling of the social platform by four months.
The end of Google+ was eminent.
Farewell Google+
While there may be some who are devastated by the shutdown, like businesses who ran profitable ads there (before today I didn’t actually know there were ads shown on Google+!), most others will hardly notice the change, if at all.
As for me, I used my Google+ account once…to create a YouTube account. My farewell is short and indifferent, goodbye Google+, it’s been fine not knowing you.
