Comment by cxseven

A lot of people here are focusing on network effects or feature comparisons between G+ and FB.

However, I think the biggest reason for G+'s failure was that the spirit that permeated it was corporatism and inauthenticity. It's frustrating, because it could have been a great opportunity to thoughtfully integrate Google's services.

G+'s phoneyness often manifested in overriding user preferences. E.g., unthinkably, Eric Schmidt thought it was a great vehicle to get people to start using their real names. Coupled with forced signups, butchered product integrations, destruction of Google Reader, awkward promotion by Black Eyed Peas, and Vic Gundotra constantly posting Youtube videos that were clearly meant to appeal to "regular people", it has been painful to watch.

The public is not oblivious to motive, especially when it comes to choosing a social network. FB's key to its early success was an air of Ivy League exclusivity. G+ had Google's relatively sterling technical reputation, respect for privacy, and credence in the "don't be evil" motto, but squandered it to desperately imitate Apple and FB.