Social Media Timeline

By Iesa Jarmon

  • The Early Internet (80s-90s)

    The Early Internet (80s-90s)
    The foundation of social media was built on the rise of the internet itself. The implementation of TCP/IP protocols in 1983 set the stage for all the web-based technologies that followed.

  • The Birth of Social Networking

    The Birth of Social Networking
    Six Degrees is one of the first platforms that allowed people to create profiles and make connections with others. This marked the shift from just sharing information to social interaction online.

  • AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and Yahoo Messenger (1997–1998)

    AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and Yahoo Messenger (1997–1998)
    Instant messaging services like AIM and Yahoo Messenger allowed individuals to have real-time, casual conversations online, a huge leap in the social aspect of the internet.

  • The Rise of Blogging (Late 1990s to Early 2000s)

    The Rise of Blogging (Late 1990s to Early 2000s)
    Blogging became a major form of self-expression, creating communities around shared interests. This shift laid the groundwork for user-generated content on social media.

  • Friendster Launches (2002)

    Friendster Launches (2002)
    One of the first social networks with a large user base, Friendster’s innovative approach influenced future platforms like Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn.

  • MySpace (2003–2008)

    MySpace (2003–2008)
    MySpace led the way for social media to merge with entertainment and music, introducing features like customizable profiles and the concept of "top 8" friends.

  • Facebook Launch (2004)

    Facebook Launch (2004)
    Facebook’s launch marked a new era of social media, expanding from college networks to the general public. It was the first social network that truly connected people in an accessible and scalable way.

  • YouTube (2005)

    YouTube (2005)
    YouTube changed how content was consumed and shared, enabling users to upload and share videos instantly. It also created the video influencer culture that became a major part of social media today.

  • Twitter (2006)

    Twitter (2006)
    Twitter’s 140-character limit and its rise as a platform for instant communication and real-time updates revolutionized how we interact with news, events, and people.

  • The Rise of Mobile Social Media (2007–2008)

    The Rise of Mobile Social Media (2007–2008)
    The smartphone revolution made social media much more accessible, contributing to the shift from desktop-based to mobile-based internet activity.

  • Instagram Launches (2010)

    Instagram Launches (2010)
    Instagram shifted the focus to photo and video content, and was one of the first to show the power of visual storytelling in social media.

  • The Age of Influencers (2010s)

    Social media influencers rose in prominence, creating entire careers and industries around their online personas. The influencer culture has reshaped marketing and celebrity.

  • The “Fake News” Crisis and Policy Changes (2016)

    The “Fake News” Crisis and Policy Changes (2016)
    he spread of misinformation and fake news became a central issue, leading to major policy changes on platforms like Facebook and Twitter to curb the influence of false narratives.

  • TikTok (2016)

    TikTok (2016)
    TikTok’s algorithm and its creative format for short, viral content took social media by storm, particularly among Gen Z, and it became a major force in shaping internet trends.

  • Metaverse and Virtual Reality (2020s)

    Metaverse and Virtual Reality (2020s)
    The concept of the "metaverse" has grown in recent years, with virtual and augmented reality now playing a role in the future of social interaction. Facebook rebranded to Meta to signal this shift.

  • Social Media Regulations & Censorship (2020s)

    The growing scrutiny of social media’s role in political and social issues has led to significant debates about regulation, misinformation, and user privacy.