The Times Online reports (via web analytics firm Hitwise) that for the first time Facebook has surpassed Google for a whole week in the U.S. The social networking site has over 400 million regular users throughout the world. About half of them check the site regularly for their updates, chat, post photos, and to play online social games like Farmville and Café World.
Who knew that a simple farming simulator would be so popular? Well regular players of Farmville, whom my wife is one of more than 83 million, know first-hand how engaging planting, harvesting, and raising animals can be…when you’re not actually outside doing real farming. This means the potential for huge profits for Facebook and companies such as Farmville creator Zynga, since gamers can pay real money to buy virtual goods. I used to be an obsessive Mafia Wars player before some jerks kept attacking my properties and I had to spend hard “earned” virtual money to repair them. Then my interest plummeted. Please stop sending me gifts!
Google launched its own social network within its Gmail service called Google Buzz. But as users complained of privacy concerns, it has had a rocky start. Google should count its blessings that it’s not a MySpace or a Friendster. Remember Google’s last attempt at a social network in 2004 called Orkut? Exactly.
Last week visits to Facebook increases 185% compared to the same week in 2009, compared with Google’s 9%. Facebook has reached number one in the U.S. before, but last week is significant for the most sustained lead.
But to be fair, the figures do not take into account other Google properties such as Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps. Combined with these services Google remains way ahead of the competition.
Don’t forget, we have our own Facebook page as well. Become a fan today!
Loading ...