Here should have a “like” for Ben’s comment lol

Well, for one, Google would have to have a better record than Facebook of protecting its users’ privacy. Facebook’s privacy issues are probably the one thing that would make people want to switch to a social network with better privacy options and safeguards. Given Google’s recent privacy issues, however, Facebook users might be a little skeptical that their private info is safer with Google.

In order to make me stop using Facebook, google would only have to do three things:

1. Guarantee not to pass on information about me to third parties as Facebook is reputed of doing.

2. Guarentee not to collect information about me from third parties as Facebook is reputed of doing.

3. Absolutely guarantee that no one will have access to information about me, images of me, etc if I don’t clearly permit Google to do so.

I see no need to give up Facebook or Google. I like and use both.

Google has so many features most users currently are using. Integrating current features with a social networking giant would be of ultimate convenience. Who better to host a social networking platform than Google? I believe if Google took the best of all the social networking platforms and created their own it would wipe the others off the map.

I really don’t think that Facebook is much of a threat to Google, however I do feel that Facebook poses as high competition with Google. Many companies now are switching over to facebook for advertising/marketing, etc. do to more affordable costs, and the popularity that has sparked with the social site. I also feel Twitter and youtube are major competitors for Google to be up against. Youtube was actually recently recognized as one heavy hitter receiving 1B views per minute or day (Can’t remember). However Google has more of an advantage because they are a major SEARCH ENGINE as where facebook, twitter, digg, and youtube are social/video SITES not SEARCH ENGINES. People use Search Engines all the time, and that’s including anything that could have to do with Facebook or any social media site. Anytime you search in a search engine, it probably will bring up results for Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc. Those social networking sites almost rely on search engines to drive traffic to the site, also I’m sure these social sites are making profits from Google as advertisers will pay a pretty penny to adwords programs offered through Google if the site receives a dignified amount of traffic. ( and Facebook is up there as one of the current leading heavy hitters for traffic). So in all I don’t really feel that Facebook is much of a THREAT to Google however a COMPETITOR, for the simple fact that major search engines i.e. Google are used for results and visitors to Facebook. Of course Facebook has merged with many companies such as eharmony.com and others for people to share their experiences with those companies, which in turn brings more traffic/members/visitors/etc. to Facebook bringing in more revenue. However these companies are also ranked with Google as one of the top leading providers, so Facebook is not really too necessary for these companies to use as a market tool. Google is well established and was WAY and well when social networking was still in beta phase, including Facebook. Google calm down you don’t have to worry unless some time Facebook no longer needs/uses YOUR search engine (or BECOMES a search engine or offers a search engine option to its visitors/members w/out sponsored search through Google) as one of their sources, which I can say probably will never happen in cyber world. The same thing happened with MySpace when Facebook emerged, however Facebook won out competition with MySpace because it was safer, and recently a lot of private information has been exposed from facebook users, so that is a major turn off to people who may in fact switch to other social networking sites. Also Google not only are you the TOP search engine you offer a WIDE variety of options to people, and that’s including A SOCIAL NETWORK, your also merged with Youtube (as visitors have the option to sign in using their Google account) Facebook is still relatively NEW, even though the social site has skyrocketed. Google is a WELL established Cyber and even Household name, which of course is as always a more trusted source all together. Google your going to be just fine considering the co.’s back round.

Facebook is threatening to start charging fees. That would possibly work in Google’s favor. I’m debating whether to stay on there if they do start charging for using their website as fellow artists and family members are on there. I don’t like My Space – being Murdoch owned – and don’t wish to reestablish myself there.