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Communication Evolves
Creation of “Interface Message Processors” (I.M.P.s) able to send bursts of information. -
Business Communication Streamlines
CompuServe was a business communication system that later expanded to the public in the 80s. -
Online Communication Arrives
BBS (Bulletin Board Systems), such as AOL, were meeting places where users could exchange messages, information, games, and files. The 80s version of CompuServe allowed users to talk on forums and send e-mails. AOL allowed users to create profiles where they could make their page their own. -
The Online Marketplace
Yahoo was created and Amazon started selling books online. -
Specialized Social Media
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. -
More Social Media Sites Created
AsianAvenue.com (1997). BlackPlanet.com (1999). MiGente.com (2002) -
Social Media Sites Gain Momentum
Friendster.com had a circle of friends and “promoted the idea that a rich online community can exist only between people who truly have common bonds.” 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 was created to connect business professionals to one another to create networking opportunities. Has around 297 million members today. MySpace targeted a more teenage crowd and was a way to share music, watch music videos, and connect with friends. Since their decline of users, MySpace now exists as social media for music artists to connect. -
Facebook Arrives
Facebook.com is created at Harvard by Mark Zuckerberg and other Harvard business students as a way to streamline communication among Ivy League students. -
Blogging and Video Sites
Reddit, an American social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website, launches. Youtube, a video sharing and viewing site allows user generated content. RenRen, similar to Facebook, launches in China -
Facebook Spreads
Facebook.com becomes available to the general public. It would go on to become the most popular social media site of all time. -
Larger Platforms Separate Themselves
Twitter, one of the most popular social networking sites worldwide, launches. Facebook develops the 'News Feed', which generates content specific for users using algorithms. Google buys YouTube for $1.65 billion. -
iPhone Arrives
Apple releases the iPhone, which allows social media sites to have applications and make viewing content even easier. -
Pictures in Social Media
Instagram, a picture focused social media platform, launches. Pinterest launches and allows users to share recipes, life tips, and post their own content. -
More Social media Apps
Snapchat, a picture sharing app and Tinder, a dating app, launch. -
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.
