-
Evolution. Where It All Began
Creation of “Interface Message Processors” (I.M.P.s) able to send bursts of information. -
CompuServe Changes The Game
CompuServe was a business communication system that later expanded to the public in the 80s. -
People Can Communicate Online
AOL creates a place where users could exchange messages, information, games, and files. AOL allowed users to create profiles where they could make their page their own. -
Buying Online
Yahoo and Amazon develop. Amazon begins the marketplace of selling books online -
Social Media Becomes Personalized
Classmates.com was created so users could find those who they went to school with. Users couldn’t create profiles, but they were still able to track down classmates. Today, they have 57 million accounts. SixDegrees.com was created around the same time. Users could create profiles, invite friends, organize groups, and look at others’ profiles. Users ended up not liking the platform and the system soon folded due to spam. -
Sites Begin to Regulate Popularity
Friendster.com became popular and regulated the idea of having a circle of friends. It was used as a dating site and a year after launch had three million users. Now, Friendster is used as a gaming site. -
LinkedIn and Myspace
LinkedIn and Myspace are created for interpersonal communication. LinkedIn made it possible for professionals to network and create a profile to connect. Myspace was more for the teenage crowd to connect with each other and share music, posts, and videos. -
The Invention of Facebook
Mark Zuckerberg creates Facebook.com for Ivy League business students to connect with one another. -
Videos and Blogging Gain Popularity
Reddit, an American social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website, launches. Youtube, a video sharing and viewing site allows user generated content. -
Facebook Is Loved By Millions
Facebook becomes available to the public and becomes the most popular social media site in the world. -
Social Media Grows Rapidly
Twitter launches. Facebook develops the 'News Feed', which generates content specific for users using algorithms. Google buys YouTube. -
iPhone Changes The World
Apple releases the iPhone, which allows social media sites to have applications and make viewing content even easier and social media to be instantaneous. -
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
Instagram, a picture focused social media platform, launches. Pinterest launches and allows users to share recipes, life tips, and post their own content. -
Social Media Every Day
Snapchat and Tinder launch.
Snapchat: picture sharing app (first one like it)
Tinder: dating app -
What's In Store For the Future of Social Media?
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat are the most popular social media platforms in the U.S. today. Over 65% of people in the U.S. use social media. It has grown into businesses and everyday life. Social media will be used for generations as the most streamlined way of communication. Platforms and apps will come and go, but the idea of interpersonal communication will only continue to grow.
