I don't hate them but I despise the Google Plus push. I use Android, yes I do. But do I use Google Plus? No, never in a million years. I don't use any social networks now and I am not going to start.
And if you don't "upgrade" to Google Plus you can rate apps, comment on YouTube, use Google Games, and some games require Google Plus sign in so you lose some functionality in some games because of that.
As far as everything else goes, its like this: whatever data you put it into your Google Account from their various services they take that data in improve your services overall. You used Google Maps to navigate to start work? They'll save that place and in Google Now, it'll show how long it will take to get to work the next day, show traffic and show the weather for that location. Without a doubt Googles services are immensely helpful and good so I allow them to handle my data. Do I worry about it? No. I am a college student who minds his own business and Google handling stuff like where I live and work and is not a worry. Its not like I'm doing anything illegal and have to be looking out for the cops.
I also find it interesting people are still confused how Google makes money. This article explains it correctly:
http://www.channel4.com/news/if-google-is-free-how-does-it-make-so-much-money
In other words Google makes money from clicks in ads, and targeted ads that come from what you provided them. Give them fake info and you get ads relevant to the fake info. Give real info and you get ads based on what you search, buy and look at. Which helps the millions of average consumers.
I also want to say that making Google secure for private usage is way too easy but that is too long winded.
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