I have read many existing questions covering the use of white space, but most are comparing white space with 'useless' frills, or simply cramming items in.
My question is in reference to google docs and comments. As a google doc is resized the comments move in what I would consider a sensible manner. If the window is widened the comments stop getting bigger after a certain point, and whitespace is added down the side (as highlighted below).
To me, I would rather see the comments continue to expand horizontally so you maximise the comment information displayed on screen. Going off my usual assumption of 'google knows best' I suppose they have kept this space to balance against the space on the other side of the document. My personal opinion would be to utilise it with the comments.
I am implementing a similar feature and am conflicted on what to do. Can anyone with any level of design experience suggest any further insight? Is it better to maximise the content, or balance the white space?