Google Plus is getting ready to say goodbye to the world. But why? A security breach that put users' information at risk is what burst the bubble. Despite this security issue, we must highlight that Google+ is not as successful a social platform as expected. Regardless, the consumer interest was never there. Let's examine what might have contributed to the Google Plus failure that is forcing its end.
Indisputably, Google is the #1 search engine in the world, followed by Bing and Yahoo. But despite its success, its social counterpart didn't follow suit. With four attempts at social networking, the consumer interest in the platform just was never there. Reports show that 90 percent of users spent about 5 seconds or less on Google Plus. But then again, how can you compete with social network titans like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter? With billions of users, such platforms almost leave no room for new concepts to emerge. An article discusses that although the unpopularity of the platform was a factor, the security breach was what reached the boiling point. With private profile data of over 500k users, Google was forced to shut down its social platform for users. This means that the site will still be available for companies, but not for individual consumers.
Although Google Plus never reached the popularity of other social media platforms, this channel did count with a fan base. The lack of ads and content that connects people, makes it a more genuine social network platform for its users. To them it is like having the benefits of social media without everything social media entails. And though the fan base is small, it is loyal. There is a group with over 2,000 members, created by a Google+ user, to give its consumers options to migrate to other social networks. As this community prepares for the shutting down, their plans to find options better than the traditional social network platforms are in full throttle.
Google+ is estimated to shut down for consumers in August of 2019. In the meantime the Google team is allowing this time for users to transition, download, and migrate their data. And while consumers prepare to bid Google Plus goodbye, we are relieved to know it will be available for companies. There are more advantages for companies when they use Google Plus. However, the loss of this platform will be felt in the community of users that call Google+ their social network of choice.
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