What's the buzz about Buzz?

Bugged by Buzz? Yes, you can turn it off. Read this article from Lifehacker to learn how. Others are writing about the privacy concerns they have about Buzz. Check out this article that is making the rounds this morning (the article, by the way, was sent to me by a non-journalism student last night). What are your thoughts on Buzz? Like it? Hate it? Don't see the point when you have Facebook or Twitter? Media analysis and thoughtful use of media tools is part of the job of a journalist. Look at both of these articles and leave a comment here. This assignment is due not later than the end of lunch on Friday, February 12.

49 comments:

Unknown said...

Google Buzz seems like a nice little tool to be integrated into Gmail. At first, I kinda felt it would be a somewhat redundant service, considering I already use Facebook and Twitter for staying connected with other people. However, I don't like how Google Buzz not an opt-in, but an opt-out feature. Personally, I didn't have a problem when Google announced it because I wanted to check it out myself. However, I realized that I already had 13 followers before I actually read more closely about how the social networking tool actually works, nor before I was able to control my privacy settings. Google Buzz has potential to get some users, but I frankly think it is a redundant service unless its API can be made to work with other services.

Andrew Gabriel said...

Google buzz does have the potenitial to be a great program. If they change the settings to a more private way, it would be good. The reason why they should work on this further is because of how easy it is to use. It works with emails, which are a very common thing. Also, you can access it through school without it being blocked, and we are able to access new news updates without having it go old and stale, but we can keep it fresh and have a story about it.

Samson Tong said...

Google Buzz seems like a Facebook or Myspace biter. It is basically a way to stay connected with other users via Google. People would not need another social networking account like this if they already have Facebook or Myspace. Although unlikely, Google Buzz still has potential.

colby said...

Buzz is simply a new way of social networking Google came up with to annoy people who randomly get paired with a talkative cyber geek who instead of just posting on twitter, post on Buzz to "make sure" his or her message gets through. Google simply wants to get into the social networking trend which seems to be very popular in the world and it doesn't want to miss out.

Rachel said...

Honestly, I still haven't completely grasped the concept of Google Buzz. I really didnt care about it when Google announced it, because all I use Gmail for is checking email. Simple. I know that Google would like to expand and get more users, but from what I see and hear, the Buzz is similar to Facebook and Myspace in terms of being a social network. Yes, maybe its convenient to have everything in one (email and socializing network) but I dont think it will be as successful due to the preexisting networks (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr...)

Beilul Naizghi said...

I feel that Buzz is incredibly unnecessary. The fact that it is already installed on my Google account is also troubling. Overall, it is a nice idea but in practice, it is not incredibly helpful.

ChristianArn said...

Google Buzz could be asset to those who choose to use it. Like any other online social site, one must use the sites with discretion: what one writes, says, and talks to and about could potentially be seen by other people. With Google Buzz, however, one is defaulted with followers and people can see who one talks to the most. This may prose a problem. That is the reason why there is an off button to Buzz.

Unknown said...

I think Google Buzz seems pretty much ok to be connecting with google and i already use twitter so as long as anybody won't beable to hack my profile im all in.

Leah said...

Buzz is an interesting new feature of gmail, however, with social networking sites like facebook and twitter which have more useful features, why would anyone use it? Buzz dies have a convenience factor because it can easily be updated while one checks their email. Buzz has lots of potential, but the program needs many improvements. The program is easy to use, but its lack of privacy settings and other aspects are sure to make gmail users hesitant about accessing this new feature.

Terilyn said...

Google Buzz is stupid. If Google doesn't respect its users enough to tell them that their information is posted on this new social networking program, then I don't respect Google enough to use it. Geez!

Unknown said...

Google Buzz is the exact same thing as a Facebook, or Twitter just through Google instead. It seems like it could possibly be a good program but i think it needs a little work. I don't like how it automatically chooses the people you follow and the people who will follow you. Like I said, i think with some improvements it could be a pretty great way of communication.

Chris Mendoza said...

I think i a corporate view, this google buzz is an interesting idea of competition and tool. However it is a sign of google's dertermination in dominating every market. I,like many, dislike the lack or an opt-in, opt-out option. With some changes, google can be heading into a less irritating and positive manner about the buzz.

Yueming Wang said...

I don't know why but I'm not at all excited about Google's Buzz. I understand that Google wants to compete with Facebook and Twitter, but Google does not need to, so to say, install Buzz on everyone's Gmail. It should only be allowed to advertise Buzz as another Google feature like its Blogger, Sites, etc. I can't help wondering what other email providers will attempt to do now that Google has set a new bar. Perhaps we will find Yahoo's own Buzz in a while. What happened to just having a plain old email account that only allows users to send out and receive emails?

lexxa said...

If there is already Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace- why does Google feel the need to have Google Buzz ? Really, it's just more to handle if you already have the first 3 social network sites. It's like having numerous screen names on Google Chat, Yahoo!Messenger and AIM. Even though it's convenient for people who don't have certain things and you're able to connect with everyone on different networks, sooner or later, it's just going to get crazy and you'll be stuck on the computer or your phone all day, which is unnecessary.

Stephanie Chan said...

Google's latest add-on, Buzz, serves as a social networking outlet. This keeps Google users upadated with the latest trends and hype. While this isn't special or entirely new to the younger audience, it is relatively new to a more mature audience. Some people choose to send emails, fill out spreadsheets, chat and buzz all at the same webpage. Still, Twitter and Facebook reigns.

athena said...

I don't think Google really needs this. The Buzz is just like the other social networks that we already use and we don't need another one. Also the fact that you're assigned people at once is a bit disturbing. Who are you going to connect with? Random people?

Unknown said...

Google Buzz seems like a good feature to have but I don't think many people will use it. Especially with other networks such as Twitter and MySpace which are way more popular and people are already used to. I doubt people who are already accustomed to using MySpace and Twitter want to start over and adapt to Buzz.

Unknown said...

Google buzz reminds me of sites such as facebook, twitter, myspace. It's a google version way of staying connected with other google users. It's another form of those social networking sites. I guess it has potential but it could go both ways. It's not really to new or revolutionary.

Unknown said...

I never even heard of google buzz before this article. i agree with Athena and Samson Tong. Google doesnt really need this and its just being a facebook biter

Unknown said...

Google Buzz is basically Twitter for businesses. However, Google Buzz will lose followers as many businesses and companies already use Facebook and Twitter for their companies. Will it catch on? I don't think so.

Unknown said...

Buzz doesn't seem like a popular enough network that many people can use. It's connected to Google and I'm too sure that a lot of people use gmail. I also don't think many people will use it because it doesn't have some of the features Facebook ore MySpace. Despite its unpopularity, many people can still catch on. There is always that chance.

Courtney Mariano said...

Google Buzz seems stupid and completely unnecessary. I think it's a total invasion of privacy since once one creates a profile, there are already people he follows and people who follow him. Just leave the social networking to Twitter and Facebook. There are so many social networking tools out there, so there is no need to add another.

Unknown said...

Buzz is unnecessary. Social networking is becoming resentful. I think Google does too much.

Indep_Elim_Y said...

As much as I like Google and all it's unique apps, I don't want to set up a Buzz. Facebook, alone, has everything I need: keeping up with friends, uploading videos/pictures, and even playing games. I don't like setting up too many accounts because it just means I have to go and check on each everyday. I don't even check Facebook everyday. Then again, this is jsut me. For those who enjoy having many social networks, Google Buzz may just be the thing. I on the other hand, don't want to make another account and maintain it, even if it's launched by Google.

xo, Julia said...

With Google Buzz, Google is simply attempting to play off of Twitter's recent increase in popularity by creating their own version of the social networking site. Its privacy issues, however, make it less appealing than the original. As of right now, I do not see the point to its creation or existence, as I much prefer Twitter and/ or Facebook. I have yet to explore Google Buzz enough to speak on it much further, but I do not like that it automatically accesses your information and places individuals you know susceptible to the public eye. Perhaps after these privacy issues are worked out, Google Buzz will gain popularity.

Unknown said...

Personally, I think Buzz is ultimately the same as Facebook wallposts and Twitter. Although, like Andrew said, it does have potential. However, Google Buzz needs to have something special if it wants to compete with something as popular as Twitter.

Stefan said...

To me, Google Buzz seems to be similar to facebook, twitter, and all the other social networking sites. However, I don't see it as a way to computer with them, so much as an equivalent for those who don't want to be associated in the various dramatic events on the sites, or to provide a simpler format for those not wanting to learn the others.

Unknown said...

Buzz is just like a new way to social networking through Google. Although it does seem unnecessary, it seems to have some potential. They should change its settings to a more private setting. And Google account users should have the option to have Buzz and to remove it of necessary :)

Dchia23 said...

Facebook basically is new and myspace the old. Google buzz is the new and twitter is the old, but the difference is google buzz isn't the same as facebook it won't be better then it's counterpart. But google nice try!

Unknown said...

What is the point of creating another social networking site when there's already so many? Twitter and facebook are already the dominant sites, so even if Google wants to try to surpass them, it wo't be possible. Plus, there are way too many problems with privacy of Google Buzz for it to be a legit networking site. Many do not wise to have the public and random people view their profiles, and the fact that Buzz automatically assigns followers is absurd. In all, i think Buzz needs much improvement for it to be able to compete with the other sites.

BreNahNah said...

I think Google Buzz is a good social network for people who don't want or use facebook or twitter. It is simply an alternative to these social networks. It attracts a different type of audience, thus integrating the facebook and twitter-less citizens into the world of social networking. There are a few flaws, however, like the opt-out feature (which is a HUGE turn-off for me personally), but I have faith that like any good networking hype, Buzz will catch on and eventually create its own following. I mean, we already have facebooks updates and tweets. It's only a matter of time until everyone starts Buzzing.

Unknown said...

Although Google Buzz is not that useful,I think the appearance of Google Buzz will lead the social network website into a new era. And for more and more people have a social network account, the distance between each person will become closer.

Unknown said...

Unless people who use social networking sites already want another way for people to stalk them, Google Buzz is useless.

Unknown said...

Wow! more of the social networking war.
Google Buzz sounds a lot Like a mix of Facebook/Myspace/Twitter (I think a lot of people noticed this skimming through the comments)

I already find Twitter now-a-days infested with spammers and bots.. and people who just intend to give out TMI..

And Buzz has a giant privacy issue if you ask me... but every social networking "thing" (lack of a better term) has flaws

Carla said...

Google Buzz seems like a practical tool for Gmail, but honestly, I find it extremely unecessary and annoying. I especially do not fancy the privacy concerns over it as well. It can be a potentially good tool, especially since social networking is in, however I'm not too fond of it.

Kimmy said...

Google Buzz is like a replica of twitter. There is no need for more social networking sites that have similar settings and themes. Google buzz has "potential" only because it is featured on the gmail page, which consists of most e-mail users. But overall, Google Buzz is just another procrastination site for students and it is really just stupid. :)

Aundrea_Giacomelli said...

I think Google Buzz is dumb, it is trying to be like twitter and other social networks, but I don't think it is going to be anything like the craze for Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, etc. Don't you do enough google? Stick to your regulars, social networking is not for you.

Wendy said...

I don't really get Google Buzz. It seems to me just like a Facebook or Myspace in Gmail, or even worse. One's profile in Google Buzz not just includes name, photo, people that one follows or other way around. It also shows a list of people that one most frequently email and chat with; there is no privacy in at all. It is a nice idea to bring Facebook into one's e-mail account, but overall, it is not that useful.

Jennifer D said...

I think the Google Buzz is a nice addition to Gmail but I don't really think it's necessary. Additionally, there really isn't that much privacy within it at all. But I do agree with Davidson when he says, "Facebook basically is new and myspace the old. Google buzz is the new and twitter is the old."

Unknown said...

Even though I clicked "Nah, go to by inbox" I was still directed to buzz. Furthermore, I was automatically following some people of which I did not wish to. The Google Buzz might increase social networking; however, it did not protect my privacy at all.

Unknown said...

Google Buzz seems like a nice feature to Gmail, but I believe it's just trying to impersonate Twitter and create an "even better social networking site." However, what makes Google Buzz so different is its privacy settings that aren't so private. I have not explored much of it to truly judge it, but I don't like how it automatically publicizes people's information. Until they change and improve these privacy settings, I think I'll stick to Twitter and Facebook.

Teresa-Mae said...

As everyone has said, this is Google's way of entering the social networking realm. It doesn't really appeal to me and I doubt it'll be as successful as other social networking websites.

Unknown said...

Google Buzz would really only be useful for those who are extremely dedicated to Google and Gmail. With other social networking sites including Facebook and Twitter, which have high popularity already, people most like will not need Buzz. Gmail seems to be branching out in too many directions that is already occupied by another company that dominates the industry.

Henry Hung said...

Google Buzz seems a little confusing. However, this may be because I didn't pay attention to it. I think it is not bad because that it is easily removable and is not blocked in school. From what I read Google Buzz has potential. I still need to more experiments on it but what I can tell it's nothing too exciting.

Donnie said...

Ummm well i could really careless if there is a google buzz buzzing around... I dont like twitter, myspace, or even facebook...you dont need that if you have text messaging hahaha..but i guess its ok..google needs to come up with something original we already have sights that can perform the stuff the google buzz does..ok bye now hahaha

Chloe said...

While Google's Buzz is a way to further interact with friends and family, it is also useless and problematic. For one, it is unnecessary to add the same features accessible on other sites such as Twitter & Facebook to a site designed for emails. Secondly, there needs to be better/more selective privacy settings.

Chris Habash said...

I also initially ignored Google Buzz, because it seemed annoying. But when I clicked it, I saw that it's pretty much like Facebook or Twitter, except through gmail, although I do not have a Facebook/Twitter. It seems nice for those who don't have accounts on those things, but it seems that it does not give much privacy, which people will find irksome.

Haley K. said...

In all honesty, Google Buzz is poitnless. It's essentially an imiation of Facebook and Twitter--just another way to update an individual's status. I know I will not use Google Buzz because I have a Facebook and there is no point in allowing others to virtually stalk me. It's also cumbersome because of location feature, which adds on to it's irrelevance.

Sabrina said...

I am tired of all this twitter,facebook and now Google Buzz crap. All these sites can not come up with their own ideas and have to copy off each other because they believe that specializing in their won thing is not good enough. Gmail should just stick to mail, they need to stop all this madness about adding a twitter. I mean come one, are they that bored that they have to go and create something someone else already created. Maybe I am just a hater because I despise twitter and all that junk, but it is really getting annoying. Plus, people's personal information is being shown to the world of the Internet where sexual predators can read one's mail and stalk them. If people are worried aobut information getting into the wrong hands: just don't have a Google Buzz, twitter, facebook, or whatever else.

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