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Talkomatic, a mulit-user chat room application, is invented; part of the PLATO system. -
TERM-Talk, a live instant-messaging application, is created; another piece of the PLATO system -
PLATO Notes, a conferencing and bulletin board forum system for communication, is created. -
ARPANET, evolves into Internet after publication of the first Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). -
Bulletin Board System (BBS) emerges as one of the earliest known forms of social media. -
As the BBSs start to exchange emails in North America and eventually internationally, FidoNet forms as a computer system used for communication between BBSs. -
First social networking and video website -
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, launches first social blogging network, inventing the reader comment and friends-only content. -
Hot or Not is born, allowing users to submit photos of themselves so others could rate their attractiveness. -
Friendster, a dating site used to help set up people with friends in common, is created. -
Business-oriented social network, LinkedIn, is created. -
English-language imageboard, 4chan, is launched. -
Myspace, rival of Friendster, launches, allowing for customizable public profiles. -
Skype launches as an instant messaging and video/voice calling service. -
Facebook launches as a social networking service, now featuring voice/video calling, as well as the widely used instant messaging service. -
Youtube, a video sharing website that started as a dating site, launches. -
Reddit, an American social media aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website, launches. -
Twitter, a social networking site is launched, allowing users to send updates to their friends. -
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, a photo/video sharing and social media service, launches. -
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, a photo/video sharing and social media service, launches. -
Tinder, a widely popular dating-oriented social networking service, launches. -
Vine, a widely popular video sharing and social media service, launches shortly after being acquired by Twitter for $30 million. -
Discord, a free instant messaging and video/voice calling service designed for the gaming community, launches. -
TikTok, a short video sharing and social media service, launches. -
BeReal, a social media application that emphasizes authenticity, launches. -
Truth Social, an alt-tech social media platform, is launched by former U.S. President Donald Trump. -
Twitter acquired and taken private by businessman Elon Musk in a $44 billion deal.