-
PLATO
First computer-based social interactions using Talkomatic and PLATO Notes. -
Bulletin Board Systems
Early internet forums and community discussions. -
Internet Relay Chat
Instant chat rooms widely used since the late '80s. -
SixDegrees.com
First modern social networking platform. -
AOL Instant Messenger
Instant messaging becomes mainstream. -
Friendster Launch
Early social network popular in Asia. -
Myspace Launch
Popular among teens and musicians, customizable profiles. -
LinkedIn Launch
Social network specifically for professional networking. -
Facebook Launch
Most influential social network started at Harvard. -
YouTube Launch
Platform for user-generated video content. -
Reddit Launch (2005)
Community-driven news aggregation and discussion. -
Twitter Launch
Microblogging platform famous for 140-character tweets -
Tumblr Launch
Microblogging platform merging blogging and social networking. -
Sina Weibo Launch
Major Chinese social media platform combining features of Facebook and Twitter. -
Instagram Launch
Photosharing app emphasizing filtered photography. -
Pinterest Launch
Visual discovery and bookmarking platform. -
Twitch Launch
Game-streaming platform dominating live gaming. -
Snapchat Launch
Innovative disappearing-photo messaging app. -
Google+ Launch & Failure (2011-2019)
Google’s unsuccessful attempt at social networking. -
Facebook IPO & Instagram Acquisition
Facebook goes public and acquires Instagram for $1 billion. -
Vine Launch and Shutdown (2013–2016)
Six-second videos; shaped short-form content culture. -
Discord Launch
Communication platform popular among gamers and communities. -
TikTok Global Launch
Massively popular short-form video app. -
Cambridge Analytica Scandal
Major privacy breach leading to congressional hearings on data security. -
Clubhouse Launch
Audio-only live conversations platform.