Yeah, the network effect is real and powerful. This is where the "Google is a monopoly" people have a point. Its hard to overcome. But, I always think there are alternatives and that fact keeps Google in check to some extent.

I personally only use Google because I have to with work but personally I've removed almost 100% of it from my life. 

kepford

econ

Are Monopolies Always Bad?

I think a monopoly is generally bad, in that it's better to have competition.
But competition is not always economically viable. When it's not, it's just the reality you can't easily change and not something to rebel against, as it would be like complaining that 2+2 is not 5.

Also the network effect can lead to monopoly formation. In that case, people may use something not because it's the best, but because it's used by the most, and it takes a large critical mass to push them out of it and into something better. It's like a Nash equilibrium.