2. +
Summary
Our team chose to compare the two big
social network platforms of Facebook
and Google+. We reviewed the
following categories of each tool: use,
ease of use, target audience, and
educational use. Then rated both of
them on a scale of 1-5 based on their
capabilities.
3. +
What is Facebook?
Online social media network
Users can share their profiles, posts, pictures, likes, and status
updates
Mainly used to connect with friends
Join groups of people with similar interests or commonalities
Signing up for an account is free
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What is Google+?
Boasts more features and capabilities than Facebook
Upload pictures and videos instantly
Able to categorize contacts into “Circles” for private or separate
communication
Groups of users can be formed around particular interests called
“Communities”
Capable of video conferencing with up to 10 people through
Hangout feature
Utilizes communities and interactive forums to engage users
Encourages the “discovery” of new content through “circles” of users
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Facebook – Ease of Use
Simple to use, single interface where all content is provided on
one page called a “profile”
Everything is presented on one stream on a main page which is
updated live as friends post new content
Large forum for help features
6. +
Google + - Ease of Use
Requires a little more searching to find content which
encourages the main use of Google +, to discover new content
Integrates with other Google tools such as Gmail, Google
Docs, etc.
Little to no help features
7. +
Facebook’s Target Audience
18 - 45 year olds - appeals to larger range of audiences
People who want to connect or reconnect with friends
Most people who use Facebook to play games, approximately 53%
(http://www.singlegrain.com/blog/facebook-vs-google-plus/)
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Google+’s Target Audience
More for people who wish to connect with others who share
common interests
Generally older audiences
Generally for those who are more “tech-savvy”
9. +
Facebook – Educational Uses
Serve as an interaction platform for students, who are already
familiar with Facebook capabilities
Enables students to post and share comments about an issue or
topic
People can join groups that share similar interests, which can
encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas
Groups could help develop interest in certain subjects or future
careers
Useful to survey or poll friends and family for research
View archived lectures, presentations, or slides
10. +
Google+ - Educational Uses
Educators can group students (who can sign in with existing Gmail
or Google account) into circles for added privacy from other
students or classes for announcements, assignments, etc.
Hangout feature allows educators to hold video/audio conferences
with up to 10 people for tutoring, small class meetings, or off site
office hours for extra help; guest speakers; students can collaborate
for group projects; conference with other colleagues and peers for
professional development; connect with others around the world
Collaborate on assignments or projects using Google Docs (can
share while in Hangout session too)
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Overall Ratings
Rating Pros Cons
Facebook 4 Easy to use, appeals to
mass audiences of all ages
with content discovery an
option for older audiences
and games to appeal to
younger audiences
Needs improvement on
video chat/conference
capabilities
Google+ 3 Is superior to Facebook
with its Hangout application
A little more difficult to
navigate, specifically
targeted audiences make
Google + an appeal to older
audiences
