I haven’t quite figured out what Google circles are for, but not wanting to be left out, I’ve joined anyway. This is likely how most of these social media applications get started, right? We all want to jump in and be part of the next big thing, the second it becomes available. But why is it that we’re all so eager to join the loop that we jump in before we even know how this loop is going to unravel?
Being an early adopter comes with a certain amount of bragging rights, I suppose, but it also comes with a lot of unknowns, and potential pitfalls, especially in the tech world.
Using social media is a lot like dating, trying to break into a new social group, or starting a new job. You spend a lot of time trying to break into the fold, wanting to be selected. After all, it’s human nature to want to be wanted. Often, it’s only once you’re in that you stop and ask yourself “Did I really want to be here in the first place?” But hey, I guess you don’t really know unless you try.
So, what are Google + circles good for? It’s hard to say at this point. This function seems to be a sort of amalgamation of Facebook friend links, Linked-In business contacts and miscellaneous plug-ins all housed in a sort-of Gmail contact card. How these classifications evolve, and what/if there is any practical application, is yet to be determined.
So far, my favourite explanation comes from HappyPlace.com, who’ve outlined 21 Google Plus circles you can actually use:
