Last week, Google announced the launch of the Social Graph API.
In non-techie speak, the Social Graph is basically a vast social network - connecting users to one another outside of the typical Facebook/MySpace/Twitter realms in which they choose to operate.
According to Google: "The public web is made up of linked pages that represent both documents and people. Google Search helps make this information more accessible and useful. If you take away the documents, you're left with the connections between people." Basically, Social Graph API will show users the people they are linked to when sharing information - not simply the information itself.
What does this mean for the future of Social Networking?
One way of looking at it is that the digital age will increasingly be about social connections - and not simply about information sharing. And the "social" side of the online community won't be limited to sites dedicated to social networking.
Simply put, the Internet - in itself - will BE the social network.
In non-techie speak, the Social Graph is basically a vast social network - connecting users to one another outside of the typical Facebook/MySpace/Twitter realms in which they choose to operate.
According to Google: "The public web is made up of linked pages that represent both documents and people. Google Search helps make this information more accessible and useful. If you take away the documents, you're left with the connections between people." Basically, Social Graph API will show users the people they are linked to when sharing information - not simply the information itself.
What does this mean for the future of Social Networking?
One way of looking at it is that the digital age will increasingly be about social connections - and not simply about information sharing. And the "social" side of the online community won't be limited to sites dedicated to social networking.
Simply put, the Internet - in itself - will BE the social network.
2 comments:
blink... blink...
I'm not really sure I get this. Is this something I'd want to have? Why?
This may sound naive, but what does Google get for this? Is Google just going to start collecting online user stats the way Nielson does for TV and grocery stores?
I don't think it sounds naive at all, Eddie - one has to ask, "so what is Google getting out of this?" They're a for-profit company after all.
My two cents: Google is trying to beat out "traditional" social networks by making their technology THE social network. And, naturally, increase ad revenue.
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