COMMENTARY | Not only did Google change its policy on using nicknames and pseudonyms on its social network, on Thursday, Jan. 26, it opened its social media network to teens according to Bradley Horowitz, VP of Google Product development on his public Google+ page.
Previously, only those 18 and older were permitted into the social network. In an article published in Forbes Thursday it outlined how Google+ wisely added new security and privacy attachments before opening its doors to a wider market. Google’s move will set it up to compete with the social media giant, Facebook, maybe.
Since Facebook is such a large part of teen culture, I wondered how this would be received by teens. Asking my 14-year-old son’s opinion, his first question was “Can I sign up now?”
In my opinion, teens may be late to the event, but will quickly lap the adults in usage. New technology comes naturally to this generation. Besides, with everyone in teens’ lives lurking around Facebook, from their parents, grandparents, teachers and neighbors, something new is very welcome.
As for the pseudonyms, CNN reports that Google has changed the policy to permit nicknames and pseudonyms, with reserve. Not any combination of letters will do, a person has to prove that the name they have chosen is a “real” nickname. This means the person must prove to Google that they are known by the name they have chosen elsewhere. This security step is only one of the behind the scenes changes happening to protect users.
The security measures Google+ has implemented will serve to protect the teens in interesting ways. Unlike Myspace and Facebook, Google+ is attempting to create a social media network that allows teens to build meaningful connections online, without the danger of over-sharing with acquaintances.
A few tweaks for teens include; teens will see a warning when they share with the “Public,” or begin to share something in “Extended Circles,”; teens are isolated by default, only the people in the teens’ circles can interact with them; finally, teens are muted is someone outside their circle joins a hangout.
The popularity of Google+ with the teen crowd is yet to be seen. It seems unlikely that Facebook is in any sort of jeopardy, but I wouldn’t underestimate either Google, or teens in their quest for more social networking options.