The much hyped about Google+ is turning into a failure, mainly because its platform is flawed. Facebook, which has 20 times as many users, as Google+, has something for everyone, while Google+ has been unable to cater to the diverse needs of different people. After the opening of Google+ to the public in late September 2011, traffic has dropped by 60 percent. This is mainly because of the following five reasons:
1. Google+ has very few members
When compared to the 750 million active users on Facebook, the estimated 43 million on Google+ seems quite small. If you were to post mind-blowing news, it would go completely unnoticed, as no one is there to comment or re-post. The primary purpose of Google+ being a social platform is lost as there is no one to be social with.
2. Google+ has no extraordinary features
Before Google+ was opened to the public, there was an excessive hype about Google+ being a new way of connecting with friends. Everyone wanted to get an invite and join the privileged on Google+. But this entire buzz led to nothing, as Google+ had no extraordinary features to offer.
3. There are few time-sinks on Google+
Google+ has introduced new games, features and updates to keep people busy, but judging by the number of users, this does not seem to be enough. The video chat feature did not catch up with its members, as most users prefer to use Skype. Google+ also has a definite lack of entertaining social games like Farmville and Mafia Wars.
4. Users are confused about how to use Google+
When people moved from Myspace to Facebook, they found the transition easy. Facebook was simple to use and there was nothing complicated about things like “like”, “share” or “add photo”. On the other hand users of Google+ are still clueless about what happens after clicking the “+1.” button.
5. Google+ circles are not private
You can actually see what circles your friends have put you in. Every Google+ user can choose to make a post “limited” or “public. If you happen to see only “public” posts from a friend, it means you are placed in their acquaintances circle. This may make you question why you weren’t good enough to be placed in their friend circle.
What did you dislike the most about Google+?
