Will Google ever open Google+ to users under 18?

It doesn't make sense to me why they don't have it open to younger users. They need to draw people in as they start using social media, not after they've been using Facebook for 5 years.

google users 18 google+ plus under facebook

asked Oct 05 '11 at 18:49

Zane Harnish
246●10●12●20

edited Oct 05 '11 at 18:49

6 Answers:

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I believe this has something to do with Google+'s "real name" policy. So as long as they stick to this, then I don't think they can....

answered Oct 05 '11 at 18:59

AlanStryder
2.0k●8●20●42

Stinks for them, I can't imagine Google+ being able to overtake Facebook without capturing young users attention...

(Oct 05 '11 at 19:12) Zane Harnish

Doesn't Facebook "require" a real name as well? I don't see how Google+ is any different in this regard.

(Oct 05 '11 at 19:17) kmark937

I could be wrong in that; it's only a guess honestly. but as far as Facebook goes requiring a real name, they will not delete you if the name you give sounds fake. Google+ does this.... unless you are a celebrity.

(Oct 05 '11 at 19:19) AlanStryder

for FB you only have to be 13

(Oct 07 '11 at 17:30) Zane Harnish

It sucks. I'm under 18. My peers (most of whom are much less mature) who were "dishonest" to Google regarding their age have been able to access Google+ for quite some time now. I've received more than 5 private invites and cannot use any of them. Yes, I'm being punished for following the rules.

answered Oct 05 '11 at 19:16

kmark937
966●2●10●23

0	Just put your age as over 18.. Simple. answered Oct 05 '11 at 19:24 Nebula 146●4 1 No, it's not simple. You cannot change your age. Instead you must create an entirely separate Google ID. (Oct 05 '11 at 19:28) kmark937

I grew up on the Internet, so I remember very clearly what it was like not being able to access everything due to age restrictions.

That said, as an adult, I really like the fact that Google+ is a grown up network. Keeping the age limit at 18 helps Google stave off the "inappropriate relationships" issue, but it also keeps the community more mature. Is it fair to a 16 year old who is mature for her age and who would undoubtedly benefit from being part of the network? No. But waiting a few years isn't as bad as all that, and the benefits outweigh the costs in my opinion.

answered Oct 06 '11 at 20:05

Christina Trapolino
181●4●5●10

I grew up on the internet too, and I knew from a very young age that all I had to do was lie about my age. So easy, a child could do it.

(Oct 07 '11 at 18:20) chadt4

I don't think it's always a great idea for kids to lie about their age, so I won't tell them to do it. But I do agree with you that it's possible.

(Oct 07 '11 at 18:42) Christina Trapolino

I vote they keep it at 18. It's nice having one social network that isn't being over run by teenagers. If you cut out the teens you really help keep things on the site on focus.

Keep in mind I am 18 so don't please don't call me a teen hating adult. I just know how teens are. Heck I know how I was before I was 18. This limit keeps things peaceful for everyone.

answered Oct 07 '11 at 17:33

HWLights92
631●39●43●60

It makes sense, I'm not against it, I just don't see why you would wait until you're 18 to join Google+ when you could join Facebook at 13. It seems that Google+ will have a hard time succeeding because of this, but hey, maybe not.

(Oct 07 '11 at 21:32) Zane Harnish

I'm sick of people complaining about this. Just lie about your age like everyone else does, or join Facebook.

answered Oct 07 '11 at 18:20

chadt4
12.5k●99●157●257

Who's complaining? I'm asking a question geared towards the future success of Google+. And as far as your answer: I guess that would work, if you're okay with lying about your age. But, unlike many people out there, I wouldn't lie about my age :)... So, while that approach could work for a dishonest person, there are people out there who care about honesty. Plus, with Google, you can't just change your age, you'd have to make a whole new account.

(Oct 07 '11 at 21:36) Zane Harnish

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Asked: Oct 05 '11 at 18:49

Seen: 1,036 times

Last updated: Oct 07 '11 at 21:36

Will Google ever open Google+ to users under 18?

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