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Usenet was one of the first online discussion platforms, allowing users to post and read messages in newsgroups. It set the stage for modern online forums and social networking. -
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AOL popularized dial-up internet and instant messaging (AIM), shaping early digital social networks. -
One of the first modern social networking sites, Friendster allowed users to connect with friends and share profiles. -
MySpace allowed profile customization and music sharing, becoming an early hub for online social interaction. -
LinkedIn brought professional networking online, connecting people for careers and industry discussions. -
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Facebook transformed social networking with personal profiles and connections for billions worldwide. -
YouTube allowed users to upload, watch, and share videos, revolutionizing online content creation. -
The News Feed centralized updates and personalized content, shaping user engagement. -
Twitter introduced microblogging, enabling real-time communication and global trending topics. -
Hashtags helped organize conversations and trends, influencing content discovery across platforms. -
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Instagram focused on photo sharing with filters, popularizing visual storytelling. -
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TikTok’s short-form video and algorithm-driven feed created a new generation of digital content consumption. -
Stories allowed temporary content sharing, encouraging casual, real-time communication. -
The scandal revealed the misuse of Facebook user data for political advertising, highlighting privacy risks and regulatory challenges in social media. -
The viral Ice Bucket Challenge raised awareness and millions of dollars for ALS research, showcasing social media’s global reach for charitable causes.