Lately, I’ve heard and most likely you’ve heard too that many people feel that Google+ has become a ghost town. Yes, I’m one of those people too, but I am going to keep my opinions out of this post.

Whether you’re an avid Google+ user or you don’t see the point in using it, the fact of the matter is the people at Google really believe in their social network. While many others and myself included are weary as to whether or not Google+ will rival with Facebook, you can’t help but notice that Google+ continues to grow at a healthy rate.

It is early on to tell what this social network can become, but with some of the chatter around the Internet, I thought it would be a good idea to go directly to the source and get some answers for you all because everyone deserves to know what’s going on. Is Google+ falling slowly or do they still have an active and engaged user base?

I had the opportunity to speak with a Google Spokesperson who requested anonymity, but provided the following information concerning Google+. I know this may not answer everyone’s questions, but it was what they could disclose and tell me about the service.

Third party research firms are inaccurately reporting data on the usage numbers of Google+. They don’t have access to internal data and are very limited in what data they can gather. For example, they have no way to track mobile usage or usage from the notification bar, which appears in the top navigation bar of most Google products. We are really pleased by the usage we’re seeing on Google+.

You can think about Google+ on two levels. First, as a social layer that will help unify all of Google’s existing products. And second, as a stream where users can post updates, comment and share photos / videos. Most observers are only viewing Google+ as the latter – a standalone product – which in our view, is a narrow way to measure its success. We have far greater ambitions. When you consider the broader impact Google+ will have as a cross-product platform that deepens our relationship to millions of existing users who are already using services like Search, Gmail, YouTube, Android, etc, you will have a better understanding of why we are thrilled with the momentum it’s had in just six months.

Attributed To Google Spokesperson

After reading this statement, have your thoughts or opinions changed? I think we all know that Google planned on looking at the big picture when it came to Google+ and integrating services, but the real question is will Google finally get social right this time or is it another Google Buzz product? I’m always willing to stick around with a growing social network that has some stickiness to it, but I’ve noticed that the only one’s getting engagement or comments on posts are those who are industry leaders and not the average user. Are there plans to improve the experience for all, Google?