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The COVID-19 pandemic pushes billions online for school, work, and social life. Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams surge in use, permanently shifting how we view remote connectivity.
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TikTok becomes the world’s most downloaded app. Its algorithm-driven, short-form video format disrupts traditional social media and changes online culture, marketing, and content creation.
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Frances Haugen leaks internal Facebook documents showing the platform prioritized engagement over mental health. This sparks global debates about algorithmic responsibility and digital ethics.
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OpenAI launches ChatGPT to the public. Its rapid adoption marks a turning point in AI-powered tools, transforming how users write, learn, and interact with the web.
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Elon Musk purchases Twitter for $44 billion. Major layoffs, content policy overhauls, and a name rebrand to “X” follow, polarizing users and reshaping public discourse.
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Apps like BeReal challenge curated social media by encouraging spontaneous, real-time posts. The trend highlights growing fatigue with polished digital personas.
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New digital regulations like the EU’s Digital Services Act are enacted, focusing on data transparency, content moderation, and platform accountability.
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Platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky gain popularity as users look for alternatives to corporate-run social media. Users seek more control over data and algorithms.
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To compete with TikTok, Instagram and YouTube prioritize Reels and Shorts. Social platforms now center video content over images and text.
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AI becomes integrated into search engines (Google’s Search Generative Experience, Microsoft Copilot). The internet shifts from passive searching to interactive conversations.