Internet users no longer need to be VIPs to have a Google+ account — the social network is now entirely available to the public.
Google+ originally launched over the summer, but the network required users to receive an invitation in order to join the site. But as of Sept. 20, anyone can use the service.
Google+’s most unique features include circles, hangouts and +1s.
Circles are a way of sorting groups of friends, and they allow users to share information with only specific people.
“Circles are interesting because you can determine who you communicate with,” said Sheri Thompson, IT communications and planning officer. “You can keep close friends and family apart from find.”
Cook said Google+’s success won’t be cemented until more people join, and the network becomes more easily integrated with other applications like HootSuite and TweetDeck.
Cook said the new network simply doesn’t have enough going on, and Thompson agreed.
“It needs more integration, but it has the potential to be something really neat,” Thompson said.
Daniel Carter, anthropology sophomore, said he likes the organization Google+ offers and would start using the network if more people joined.
With Facebook’s recent interface changes receiving mixed reviews, some wonder if Google+ will replace the blue social giant.
Quan Pham, microbiology freshman, said he would consider switching to Google+ because of his dissatisfaction with Facebook’s changes.
“I don’t like [the changes]. It used to be so simple, but now I’m not sure what’s going on,” he said. “Google+ seems more daunting.”
He said he doesn’t think people will leave Facebook in a rage over the new changes because “Facebook couldn’t change a thing without people freaking do.” He said it needs to up its “cool factor” and navigability in order to succeed.
 
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Contact Emily Herrington at [email protected]