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BBS platforms allowed users to dial into a central server to exchange messages, share files, and participate in discussions. Although not social media in the modern sense, BBS is considered one of the earliest forms of social interaction online. -
The adoption of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) standardized internet communication and marked the official birth of the modern Internet. This is the foundational event that made all further developments in digital communication, including social media, possible. -
AIM introduced real-time messaging and was one of the earliest forms of social interaction in the digital space. The introduction of "Buddy Lists" and away messages helped create personalized online experiences. -
Six Degrees is widely recognized as the first social networking site, allowing users to create profiles, connect with friends, and expand their networks. It was one of the earliest platforms to resemble modern social media networks. -
Blogger, founded by Pyra Labs (and later acquired by Google), allowed individuals to create and share their own blogs easily. This democratized publishing and set the stage for the rise of content creators, a critical part of social media culture. -
LinkedIn launched as a professional networking site, allowing users to create resumes, connect with colleagues, and expand their career-focused network. This marked the beginning of social media’s role in professional life. -
MySpace was one of the first major social media platforms where users could create profiles, connect with friends, share media, and express individuality. It introduced concepts like personal pages, customization, and music sharing. -
Initially a college networking site, Facebook quickly expanded beyond university campuses and became the largest and most influential social media platform in the world. Facebook introduced features like News Feed, like buttons, and more social interactions. -
YouTube’s launch allowed users to upload, share, and view videos. This became the foundation for video-based social media, and YouTube helped propel the rise of content creators and online influencers. -
Twitter introduced the concept of microblogging with 140-character posts (later expanded to 280 characters). It revolutionized real-time communication, news dissemination, and public discourse, becoming central to movements and political conversations. -
Apple’s launch of the iPhone revolutionized social media by enabling users to access social platforms on-the-go. This led to the development of mobile apps for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. -
Instagram, a photo-sharing app, introduced users to the power of visual content and social media. It quickly grew into one of the most influential platforms for lifestyle brands, influencers, and digital marketing. -
YouTube’s Partner Program, which allows creators to monetize their videos, helped spark the rise of the "YouTuber" as a new form of influencer. This marked the beginning of social media as a full-time career for content creators. -
Snapchat introduced the concept of “disappearing” content, revolutionizing how people interacted with digital media. It also helped drive the use of ephemeral content and stories on social media. -
TikTok transformed the way social media users interacted with video, creating a platform for short, engaging clips often set to music. It became a massive platform for viral content and the rise of meme culture. -
Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter played a significant role in the U.S. presidential election, raising concerns about misinformation, fake news, and the influence of social media on politics. -
Facebook came under fire after the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where user data was harvested without consent for political purposes. This raised global awareness about data privacy and led to tighter regulations on social media platforms. -
Mental health professionals began linking increased social media use to issues like anxiety, depression, and body image concerns. This sparked debates about the ethical use of social media and its impact on society.