History of Social Media (1900-2000)

The First Supercomputer

1940

The first supercomputers were created in the 1940s, and scientists and engineers starting trying to figure out how to create networks between them. This would eventually lead to the Internet.

The Internet’s Earlier Form

1960

In the 1960s, a very basic form of email was created, as well as some of the earlier versions of the Internet, like CompuServe.

Virtual Newletters!

1979

Networking technology had improved by the 1970s, and in 1979 UseNet was created, and is most likely the first site to be something like the social media we have today. It allowed users to communicate through its virtual newsletter.

Home Computers and IRCs

1988

In the ‘80s, home computers were becoming a lot more common, and social media was becoming more complex or confusing. IRCs, or Internet relay chats, helped solve this. They allowed users to communicate with each other through text more efficiently, and were popular throughout the ‘90s.

The First Social Media Site

1997

While UseNet was somewhat similar to social media today, Six Degrees is much closer. It was created in 1997 and allowed users to make their own profile and befriend other users, much like Twitter or Facebook today.

Blogging Sites

1999

Blogging sites became popular in 1999, and created the social media sensation that exists today. While they may not be as close as Six Degrees to what we have today, blogging sites still allowed users to share their thoughts and interact with others.