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Email revolutionizes digital communication and how people communicate with others. Big step forward towards more global communication. -
The first widely adopted "online" discussion board platform that paved the foundation for the World Wide Web and later platforms like Reddit. Users were able to connect in a similar "dial-up" fashion to connect to servers through newsgroups and exchange articles and postings. First decentralized discussion system. -
Invented by British scientist Tim Berner's Lee, to help connect research scientists and allow them to share knowledge and information. This transformed technology and communication at a global level and allowed for social media to develop and become what we know of today. -
Release of smart cell phones allowed computing features at the user's fingertips. This allowed apps and social media platforms to flourish as users could access them from anywhere. -
Launched in 1997, SixDegrees allowed users to create profiles, make friends, and send messages, similar to what we do on Facebook or Instagram today. The site was based on the "six degrees of separation" theory, which suggests that everyone is six or fewer social connections away from each other. Although Six Degrees didn't last long due to the limitations of the early internet, it laid the foundation for the social media landscape we know today! -
Pioneers of real-time online messaging. With buddy lists, unique usernames, profiles, and the original status messages (away message): "Jammin' to Napster and chillin' - hit me up." -
Launched in 2003, was the first social media platform to reach a global audience. The website also had a huge influence on music and pop culture. (Not to mention friendships with the introduction of a 'top 8'!) -
What started as an online directory for college students, became a global social media sensation. -
YouTube later launched in Dec. 2005, with the first video uploaded in April called "me at the zoo." The platform advertised for people to "broadcast yourself" and transformed the way that videos are shared on the internet. -
Chris Messina, then with Twitter, innovated the # which created a way to categorize content making it searchable within the platform and allowed content to gain more views. -
In Sept 2011, Snapchat released the next generation of messaging by releasing "ephemeral" messaging. Pics, texts, and videos that disappear after watching or opening. They also released lenses and filters which transformed how people share their selfies. -
Tinder revolutionizes the dating scene with gesture-based swipes allowing for quick functionality with a swipe right meaning interested and a swipe left meaning not interested. This feature has also been adopted by other applications. -
Platform based on 6 second looping videos changed how people consume video content in a shorter looping format. This social media platform paved the way for influencers and content creators by exposing the market for short form video content. This also led to apps like TikTok and features like Reels within Facebook and Instagram. -
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge goes viral, raising awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research through social media. -
In October, the #MeToo movement spreads virally, empowering individuals to share their experiences of sexual harassment and assault.