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America OnLine
America Online was truly the first in the development of what we consider today to be "social media". In the mid-1990's, AOL had an online platform for member created communities which included the ability to search for member profiles. By 1995, the platform had high levels of popularity and was the social media source of the era. The History of Social Media. (2018, June 20). Retrieved June 14, 2019, from https://www.digitaltrends.com/features/the-history-of-social-networking/ -
Friendster's Circle of Friends
In 2002, Friendster developed a platform that differentiated degrees of friendship and grouped people into their "circle of friends". The premise of this idea was that the experience would be more enriching if categorized with like-individuals and with those who shared common bonds. The History of Social Media. (2018, June 20). Retrieved June 14, 2019, from https://www.digitaltrends.com/features/the-history-of-social-networking/ -
Professionals Unite with LinkedIn
In 2003, the site LinkedIn was launched to allow career professionals to connect with others as a networking and career resource. This was in stark contrast to other social media sources at the time that emphasized connections with former classmates and friends. This was a huge moment in the recruiting and career-seeking realm. The History of Social Media. (2018, June 20). Retrieved June 14, 2019, from https://www.digitaltrends.com/features/the-history-of-social-networking/ -
The precursor to Facebook is unveiled
The precursor to Facebook was a web platform named Facemash. Facemash allowed Harvard students to sign up and rate the attractiveness of fellow students. The service was shut down after two days for violating university policy, but was immensely popular in that short time, presenting an opportunity in this social media realm for the developers. Hall, M. (2019, May 29). Facebook. Retrieved June 14, 2019, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Facebook -
Tom and Myspace
Myspace was unveiled in 2003, and provided a unique platform that enticed young people with music and videos, along with various features unavailable on other sites. Myspace was predicated on being "hip", which was apparent in the interface. The History of Social Media. (2018, June 20). Retrieved June 14, 2019, from https://www.digitaltrends.com/features/the-history-of-social-networking/ -
Facebook is Founded
Facebook makes its debut as it is founded by Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes. All of the founders were Harvard students at the time of the platform's release. Hall, M. (2019, May 29). Facebook. Retrieved June 14, 2019, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Facebook -
The first tweet is sent
In 2006, Twitter was launched by creators Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams and Biz Stone. The first tweet was sent on March 21, 2006 by Jack Dorsey and read, "just setting up my twttr". This was the beginning of a short-text platform designed for efficiency. Britannica, T. E. (2019, February 01). Twitter. Retrieved June 14, 2019, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Twitter -
Social Media in Politics
In the 2008 presidential race between Barack Obama and John McCain, Obama employed a strategy that included a significant presence on social media, especially Twitter. This had an impact on the race and ultimately, would set the precedent for social media involvement in all future campaigns. Britannica, T. E. (2019, February 01). Twitter. Retrieved June 14, 2019, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Twitter -
Instagram Launches
On October 06, 2010, Instagram launched as an app and web platform allowing users to post images along with a caption to their profile. This represented a change of interface when compared to platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Our Story. (2019, March 26). Retrieved from https://instagram-press.com/our-story/ -
Facebook is #1
Facebook becomes the largest social network in the world, with more than one billion users as of 2012. This is a prominent moment in the history of social media as it demonstrates the vast prevalence in usage with no sign of slowing down. Facebook became the largest social network in the world, with more than one billion users as of 2012, -
Tinder catches fire
In 2012, Tinder was released and completely changed the online dating landscape. Tinder allowed users to "match" by simply swiping right on their mobile device and became the early adopter of mobile online dating technology. Sutori. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2019, from https://www.sutori.com/story/the-history-of-tinder--TSvBW6M8pf5kHSnqmsxyHYAZ -
Facebook Faces Major Allegations
In March of 2019, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development alleged that Facebook engaged in discriminatory practices that endangered minorities in the U.S. population. This opened the door to the darker side of social media for many. Ghosh, D., & Geltzer, J. A. (2019, April 06). HUD's new lawsuit against Facebook is a dagger at the heart of the consumer internet. Retrieved June 14, 2019, from https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/05/opinions/hud-lawsuit-vs-facebook-consumer-internet/index.html
