Google recently unveiled its new concept where users can setup a profile page that will help filter out search results that pertains to that user. Google is marketing the feature as a self search aid. However, the idea is actually quite brilliant as it discreetly acts as a social networking Trojan horse.

Dave recently talked a little about Google Profiles several days ago. The feature has been presented by Google as an aid that will help those narcissistic users filter search engine results by relevance to the profile. In other words, if your name is as common as “John Brown” it will significantly help narrow search results down to those that might actually pertain to you. 

According to Time, this new feature could be Google’s attempt to wiggle its way into the growing social networking space to compete with the likes of Facebook and MySpace. The theory is not all that farfetched as the company has been able to successfully “wiggle” its way into the email and map space.

Google Profiles will not only help those curious as to their search engine popularity, but will also aid in helping those concerned with finding sensitive information about themselves out there on the Web. Users who already rely heavily on Google’s search engine and email will be tempted to create a profile in order to easily consolidate everything into one centralized location.  Time also points out that even the layout of the Google Profile is similar to that of Facebook.

Social networking sites have been picking up a great deal of steam as sites such as Twitter, MySpace and Facebook have been receiving a significant increase in traffic. It seems like Google may have found a way to capitalize on the user’s vanity with Google Profiles. 

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Entry was posted on Sunday, April 26th, 2009 at 3:28 am under Google, Social Media.

Read more entries by Mike Ferro.
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