There is no doubt in my mind that humans have an inquisitive nature. We all want to find out what others think about the new hit single from that new band or if that recently opened restaurant down the road is really worth a visit. We need other’s opinions and advice on anything from politics to religion because this helps us validate our own decisions. Modern technology and the birth of social networking lets us find out what others are thinking, doing, reading and eating without even seeing them face to face. Now, what if you could not only follow your friend’s tweets, statuses and blog entries but also search for the content that they publish on the web?

As always, Google have come to the rescue with a new experimental opt-in application that will let you connect your Google search to your social networking. Basically, Social Search (Google’s name for their new venture) wants to improve your search and make it more personal. So, for example, when you type in origami, Google will return content written by all of your friends/followers. Google believe that by delivering these results, you, the searcher, will receive info that is more relevant to you.

For example, you can simply add a link between your Twitter page and your Google profile and Google will find the people you follow and the content that they have placed online. This can be anything from blogs and reviews to articles and dodgy school photos. If any of your connection’s sources relate to your search, Google will very kindly place these results at the bottom of your page. If you wonder why random people turn up in your social search, do not fear. Google feel that adding content by people who are connected to your contacts will extend your search parameters. I find this slightly arbitrary, but go ahead Google.

Google hopes that Social Search will enhance your Google profile and let you connect with people in your social circles in yet another way.

I feel that it is just a matter of time before social networking takes over the world (and some people believe that it already has). So many of us already revolve our lives around social networking and the web, so it seems acceptable (and very smart) that these two entities are about to join up.

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