History of Social Media

By ms406409

  • Newton

    Newton
    Newton, a handheld computer device, was created by Apple in 1992. Its features included screen writing technology, which was a precursor to later handheld devices, such as smart phones that use touch screens. “Computers | Timeline of Computer History.” Computer History Museum, 2018, www.computerhistory.org/timeline/computers/.

  • AOL Instant Messenger

    AOL Instant Messenger
    AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) first debuted in 1997. This chat feature developed out of AOL chat rooms, allowing users to instantly message back and forth, rather than waiting for emails. AIM eventually was displaced in popularity by various platforms that contain direct messaging and texting. Whitney, Mike. “6 Early Social Media Platforms And How Their Influence Lives On.” Mainstreethost, 16 Aug. 2017, www.mainstreethost.com/blog/social-media-platforms-history/.

  • WiFi

    WiFi
    WiFi was released in 1997 to consumers. This meant the internet could be accessed without wire connection, paving the way for real-time social media posts. Thomas, Jessica. “The History of WiFi.” Purple, 21 Aug. 2018, purple.ai/blogs/history-wifi/.

  • iMac

    iMac
    Apple produced the iMac, an all-in-one desktop, in 1998. In addition to helping Apple as a company get out of debt, the iMac made owning a computer more feasible for the masses. “Computers | Timeline of Computer History.” Computer History Museum, 2018, www.computerhistory.org/timeline/computers/.

  • LiveJournal

    LiveJournal
    LiveJournal is a blogging platform that emerged in 1999. This platform provided users a way to communicate through stories and keep in touch with friends. Whitney, Mike. “6 Early Social Media Platforms And How Their Influence Lives On.” Mainstreethost, 16 Aug. 2017, www.mainstreethost.com/blog/social-media-platforms-history/.

  • J-Phone J-SH04

    J-Phone J-SH04
    A Japanese company, SoftBank, introduced the first cellphone with camera capabilities in 2000. Cameras became common in most phones within a year of its release. With the popularity of social media platforms that use photos or videos as a means of communication, this technology was a very important development. “Computers | Timeline of Computer History.” Computer History Museum, 2018, www.computerhistory.org/timeline/computers/.

  • MySpace

    MySpace
    MySpace begins in 2003, but becomes much more popular in 2005. This networking site provided a place for people to share music, photos, videos, and blogs. “Myspace.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Sept. 2018, www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myspace.

  • Facebook

    Facebook
    Facebook started as a way for college students to connect to each other in 2004. Eventually, the site was opened up to everyone at least the age of 13 in 2006. With this greater reach, the number of users overtakes MySpace in 2008. Zeevi, Daniel. “The Ultimate History of Facebook [INFOGRAPHIC].” Social Media Today, 21 Feb. 2013, www.socialmediatoday.com/content/ultimate-history-facebook-infographic.

  • Twitter

    Twitter
    Twitter began in 2006. The platform started as a short message service (SMS) and developed into a way to disseminate news and information. People can share links, photos, and thoughts through posting on Twitter. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Twitter.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 7 Sept. 2017, www.britannica.com/topic/Twitter.

  • iPhone

    iPhone
    Apple released the original iPhone in 2007. The iPhone combined a web browser, music player, and cell phone into one device. Today, many people primarily interact with social media on iPhones and other smart phones. “Computers | Timeline of Computer History.” Computer History Museum, 2018, www.computerhistory.org/timeline/computers/. Bemis, Matt. “How Do People Access Social Media and Why?” Crimson Hexagon, www.crimsonhexagon.com/blog/people-access-social-media/.

  • Arab Spring Protests

    Arab Spring Protests
    Starting late 2010 and spanning through 2011, protests in North Africa and the Middle East challenged governing regimes. People organized events and disseminated information through social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. These protests affirmed how social media can be used as a form of mobilization. History.com Editors. “Arab Spring.” HISTORY, A&E Television Networks, 10 Jan. 2018, www.history.com/topics/middle-east/arab-spring.

  • Instagram

    Instagram
    Instagram debuted to users in 2010, going straight to the number one free photography app in one day. This camera based app benefited from the rise of smart phones. Woods, Ben. “Instagram - A Brief History.” The Next Web, 21 June 2013, thenextweb.com/magazine/2013/06/21/instagram-a-brief-history/.

  • "Fake News"

    "Fake News"
    In 2016, Craig Silverman noticed made-up stories originating from the same Eastern European city, Veles, which is located in Macedonia. Investigating further, he was able to identify over 140 Fake News pages on Facebook. The discovery of how prevalent "fake news" is disseminated over social media has reshaped platforms. Wendling, Mike. “The (Almost) Complete History of 'Fake News'.” BBC News, BBC, 22 Jan. 2018, www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-42724320.