Parr, B. (2011, July 16). Google+: The complete guide. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2011/07/16/google-plus-guide/
SUMMARY: Mashable covers thoroughly the aspects of Google plus. He summarizes quite simply how Google Plus will function beneficially for users as a social network. The article includes quotes from people who state why you should use Google Plus and I have to agree with them and add, "It is nice to be able to create a circle and chat via web cam with a group of two or more people. It is funny how Facebook has just adopted list's to its tool bar, similar to how Google plus allows you to create circles." It is nice to be able to create circles and keep your friends separate from your co-workers, and family. The article describes how quickly and easily it is to get started as well as the proponents of the site as a tool on Google. The video explanation makes this article easier to understand if you have never used a social network before.
QUESTION: Google is a enormous search engine, How much of your life is being monitored and recorded when using social networks such as Facebook, and now Google plus?
You should know that sharing some information puts you at risk. If you provide the year and where you were born too, you’ve just given identity thieves a key to stealing your financial life. Criminals can identify specifically when and where you are when you are out of your house by using gadgets such as "checking in" and make it easily for them to know how long they have to break into your home while you are away. Employers commonly peruse social networking sites to determine who to hire and, sometimes, who to fire. Insurers are increasingly turning to the web to figure out whether their applicants and customers are putting their lives or property at risk. It is as interesting as it is dangerous to use social networks, so be aware of the information you are providing to almost everyone!
EDUCATORS - GOOGLE PLUS IS FOR YOU
Brogan, C. (2011, Sept 30). Educators – Google Plus is for you. Retrieved from http://www.chrisbrogan.com/gpluseducators/
SUMMARY: After reading this article I feel as though Google Plus will definitely be a great tool for teachers to use. It is easy to create a circle/group and then you can then share lesson plans with each other making teaching the curriculum allot easier. After having created and used the account users will see how beneficial it is to use this Google Gadget in a professional way. The article is short and sweet and leaves you with links to create and account, information on how to blog, and how it is different from other social networks.
QUESTION: How exactly is Google+ different from other social networks?
I had a hard time finding ways that these networks are so different. With Twitter it is obvious, but with the competition of advertisement the networks are constantly changing and becoming more alike everyday. Facebook is a symmetric sharing model. First you are connected with people both ways and then contents are shared privately. Twitter has an asymmetric follow system. People share publicly and you can follow to know about them. But, Google+ has a different model- Asymmetric sharing model which is primarily a privacy based model. Essentially Google+ is a social network, like Facebook and Twitter but with some added features that make it stand apart. There have been many posts flying around about Google+ killing Facebook and/or Twitter but I think Google has a slightly different agenda. Of course they would like to ‘steal’ some of their users but essentially Google is interested in gathering more and more data about people and their connections. This allows them to provide a more personalized and social web experience. Google is using Google+ profiles and information shared through circles and sparks to create an even clearer picture of you (which Facebook has just adopted as list's). It is slowly gathering more data about you, your interests, your friends, your network and what they share and are interested in. Scary stuff!
