Google is introducing a new feature in Google search results today: +1. But what is it? A new social network? A social thingy? A social search engine? Is it even social?

When you're signed into your Google account, every Google search result will now have a +1 icon next to it (right now you have to activate in Google Experimental). If you find the search result useful or just enjoy the linked site, you hit the +1 icon. Google says by +1-ing a result you're giving it a recommendation, a stamp of approval. More +1's on a result means the site is more interesting.

You can see what your friends +1'd which ideally lends more credence to a particular search result. Since Google displays so many sites, these little +1's will help you sift out the crappy ones (if you didn't banish them already). Imagine if your best friend found a link interesting and +1'd it. When you stumble upon that in the future, you're probably going to click it.

Google +1 :

A simple way to like google search results.
A definitely social.
Not a social network.
that helps google target ads better
Eventually grow bigger
wont change the way you use Google .

To join in this experiment:
Go to Google Labs

Make sure you're signed into your Google Account (required)

Click 'Join this experiment'

Search for something you love on Google.com

Click the new +1 button, and make your mark on the web

You can get rest of the Authorised information and activation details in Google Labs itself.

How to protect ur privacy on Google +1:

Your +1's are public. They can appear in Google search results, on ads, and sites across the web. You'll always be able to see your own +1's in a new tab on your Google Profile.

Google +1 allows you to share links you find in Google (and soon on other websites). When one of your Google contacts conducts a similar search, he or she will see that you "+1'd" the link. Google will soon let your Twitter and Flickr contacts view your +1's too

Google makes it clear that your +1's can be visible to anyone, not just your contacts. There's no way around that (for now), so if you want to keep your personal information private, keep as much information out of your profile as possible.

This could be as simple as limiting it to just your first name. You aren't required to add a photo, location, or any other personal information. In fact, you can just use your first name and last initial if you want.

The next step is to block Google from using your +1 information to display personalized ads. Go to Google.com and click the "gears" button in the top right corner and select "Account Settings."