Social Media Roundup: The Latest Headache From Google+

Why a recent change to the way Google+ works could have you getting unwanted email messages. Also: insights for younger CEOs, who might not always get the respect they deserve.

Google has been trying to make Google+ happen for years, and while it certainly has its uses, the network has often struggled to shake a perception that people don’t want to hang out there.

The company’s latest move might give critics a new reason to complain. That and more in today’s Social Media Roundup:

A Controversial Opt-In

Social Media Hunger Games! Facebook’s World Domination http://t.co/i1LpFyuNm6  (opens in a new tab) vs Google+ changes http://t.co/GuYtgKqgyU  (opens in a new tab) #assnchat  (opens in a new tab)

— Greg Parker (@GregParker_) January 10, 2014  (opens in a new tab)

With Facebook’s popularity holding strong  (opens in a new tab) and showing no signs of slowing down worldwide, it’s understandable that Google+ might be feeling a little left out. But the company’s latest move  (opens in a new tab) giving the social network’s users the ability to email anyone with a valid Google+ account—whether or not you know their email address—is drawing a bit of a backlash  (opens in a new tab). While the offering doesn’t reveal your email address to the person sending you the message unless you respond, it has raised concerns about privacy and potential spam. Sound like your worst nightmare? Check out this article from CNet  (opens in a new tab), which explains how to opt out. (ht @GregParker_  (opens in a new tab))

Age: Nothing but a Number

[Age does not necessarily dictate leadership] A Crash Course In Leadership For 20-Something CEOs http://t.co/Zg5cxxx08W  (opens in a new tab) #asaeyp  (opens in a new tab) #assnchat  (opens in a new tab)

— Ashley Hodak Sullivan (@ashleyhsullivan) January 10, 2014  (opens in a new tab)

If you read about the ins-and-outs of the startup world, you may come across more than a few harsh assessments of the 20-something leaders in charge. (Example: 23-year-old Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel  (opens in a new tab), recently the subject of a Taylor Swift dating rumor  (opens in a new tab). When’s the last time your CEO showed up on the gossip pages?) But Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. CEO Barry Salzberg says that’s not necessarily fair—and while he’s a bit older himself, he has a son who is the CEO of his own company, and an astute one at that. “I’m really inspired to watch the careers of younger CEOs unfold,” he writes. “I think in the past, younger and older CEOs have viewed each other almost as different species. Moving forward, I hope we can create closer connections where we can learn from each other and become more effective, inspirational, and innovative leaders as a result.” Check out his post on LinkedIn for some insights that might help younger CEOs  (opens in a new tab) learn a thing or two. (ht @ashleyhsullivan  (opens in a new tab))

What advice would you offer to the younger execs on the association scene? Share it in the comments.

(Google screenshot)