About 5.7 million people have Gmail accounts. Since Google Buzz allows current Gmail users to use Buzz right from their inbox, there is no sign-up necessary. This would make it very easy for a Gmail user to investigate and start using Buzz. Many Gen Y consumers are skeptical of the uses of Twitter, calling it ‘stupid’ or not knowing its true value. However, those who use Gmail are loyal to Google’s products, and would therefore be more likely to start using Buzz.

Buzz also gives users more sharing capabilities than Twitter, Facebook, and other major social media sites. It also seems to integrate many sharing tools that have not yet been combined. Users can share pictures and videos right from their desktop into the conversation without logging onto Facebook photo, Flickr, or TwitPics. I predict that those who do not use Twitter will quickly adopt Google Buzz as their social outlet, and I foresee some Twitter users converting to Buzz, or at least joining it as well. Is Google going to change the social media realm? It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

It will be interesting to see how Facebook and Twitter react to Google’s new and integrated social aspect. Already, Facebook redesigned their layout to make social search at the top and most prominent. How will Twitter react to its new rival?