What does +1 mean?

In addition to finding the Facebook button and a comment's box, I have seen the Google +1 button.  So, I started to look into the function of this +1 button.  Initially, you could only find the +1 button on Google pages.  Now, you can find it all over from newspapers to companies, such as Best Buy.  While surfing the web if you come across something interesting that you want to share with your Google + circle(s), then you click on the +1 button.  By clicking on the +1 button, you indicate to your friends that you either like or dislike something.  Also, you have the opportunity to provide your comments.  If you have a Google + account, then you can track all of your +1 likes/dislikes/comments in one place.

Google provides it's account of the +1 button on it's blog.

Why use the +1 button?  When the people in your Google + circle search for something that you have used the +1 button with, they will see whatever comments you have written about the item.  It is an interesting form of communicating your recommendations for something.

Currently, I am not using the +1 button as I am not sure if I want everyone to know all of my purchase decisions and what I am thinking about articles.  Perhaps, in the future, I will start using the Google +1 button and when I do I will let you know.