Google+ Sign In
Google+ is Google’s analog to Facebook’s social networking platform. The requirement for having a G+ account is leaving lots of folks feeling that Google’s shoving this platform down their throats. Some people even feel that having to sign into Google+ in order to make comments on YouTube violates their freedom.
Concerns
The anger appears to come from multiple areas of concern. One of these concerns is the loss of anonymity when making comments. This appears to be one of the top complaints. This in part is due to the fact that by signing in to Google+ there becomes a means of tracing back to the source of the comments that have been made. Several people have made comments that this would cut down on cyber-bullying. People who would normally take part in such might attempt to set up a fake profile on Google+ thus thwarting the ability to trace a real person.
Having to be a part of Google+ is another concern when YouTube is the main focus of some people’s desired internet use. Why place themselves out there for marketing when they simply want to check out videos and leave comments rather than being included in a social network? Google purchased YouTube in 2006 for 1.6 billion dollars to add to their total package that they could offer to the public. This now allows them a greater market share of internet users to whom they can advertise. One thing to note is that by using the privacy settings within Google+ you can help to decrease the amount of information that is shared through this platform.
Benefits
Combining Google+ with YouTube is a change that can benefit friends and businesses if used properly by sharing videos with others in a group. For businesses the use of Teaching videos shared via YouTube can be a great resource, especially for those that are expanding or telecommuting. Spreading the word about your business can be much easier when you use YouTube in your social media campaign. Now that Google+ is involved you can have friends in your Circles allowing you to get together and view YouTube videos as a group.
For most people, signing into Google+ to leave comments on YouTube means another step that must be taken when using the web. Such changes always bring on frustration. What do YOU think about the requirement for logging into YouTube to leave your opinion on the videos? Sound off below, and let us know what you think the benefits or drawbacks might include.