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Talkomatic
Talkomatic, a mulit-user chat room application, is invented; part of the PLATO system. -
TERM-Talk
TERM-Talk, a live instant-messaging application, is created; another piece of the PLATO system -
PLATO Notes
PLATO Notes, a conferencing and bulletin board forum system for communication, is created. -
ARPANET
ARPANET, evolves into Internet after publication of the first Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). -
Bulletin Board System
Bulletin Board System (BBS) emerges as one of the earliest known forms of social media. -
FidoNet
As the BBSs start to exchange emails in North America and eventually internationally, FidoNet forms as a computer system used for communication between BBSs. -
Bolt.com
First social networking and video website -
SixDegrees.com
SixDegrees.com launches as one of the first social networking sites; allows for users to set up a profile page, create lists of connections, and send messages within networks. -
Open Diary
Open Diary, launches first social blogging network, inventing the reader comment and friends-only content. -
Hot or Not
Hot or Not is born, allowing users to submit photos of themselves so others could rate their attractiveness. -
Friendster
Friendster, a dating site used to help set up people with friends in common, is created. -
LinkedIn
Business-oriented social network, LinkedIn, is created. -
4chan
English-language imageboard, 4chan, is launched. -
Myspace
Myspace, rival of Friendster, launches, allowing for customizable public profiles. -
Skype
Skype launches as an instant messaging and video/voice calling service. -
Facebook
Facebook launches as a social networking service, now featuring voice/video calling, as well as the widely used instant messaging service. -
YouTube
Youtube, a video sharing website that started as a dating site, launches. -
Reddit
Reddit, an American social media aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website, launches. -
Twitter
Twitter, a social networking site is launched, allowing users to send updates to their friends. -
Pinterest
Pinterest, a photo-sharing website, launches, allowing users to submit images or "pins", then other users can "pin" them on personalized "pinboards". Users can then comment on each other's content and interact with it. -
Instagram
Instagram, a photo/video sharing and social media service, launches. -
Twitch
Twitch, a live-streaming service that is popular worldwide, launches. This service is a spin-off from Justin.tv, as it is more focused on broadcasting users playing video games. -
Snapchat
Snapchat, a photo/video sharing and social media service, launches. -
Tinder
Tinder, a widely popular dating-oriented social networking service, launches. -
Vine
Vine, a widely popular video sharing and social media service, launches shortly after being acquired by Twitter for $30 million. -
Discord
Discord, a free instant messaging and video/voice calling service designed for the gaming community, launches. -
TikTok
TikTok, a short video sharing and social media service, launches. -
BeReal
BeReal, a social media application that emphasizes authenticity, launches. -
Truth Social
Truth Social, an alt-tech social media platform, is launched by former U.S. President Donald Trump. -
Twitter Acquisition
Twitter acquired and taken private by businessman Elon Musk in a $44 billion deal.