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Launch of Facebook
Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook for the students of Harvard to connect to each other. By the second day of it being launched, thousands of people had signed up, which changed social media history. -
Introduction of Twitter
New social media app introduced microblogging. Allowed users to say what they wanted to in 140 characters or less. This also allowed for other users to repost what others said, and post it to their feed. This was revolutionary for communication in real time on social media. -
iPhone is Created
The first iPhone changed the mobile phone industry. Smartphones were accessible to masses, and was able to help grow social media and app development. -
Debut of Instagram
Allows users to easily share their photos and videos to their followers. It is now a tool for engagement, influencing, and sales. Instagram also was the main cause of social media addiction, contributing to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and FOMO. -
Snapchat and Features
Snapchat launched in 2011, which allows users to send 10 second pictures to their friends that disappear immediately after, and created a new way of social interaction. In 2013, Snapchat introduced Stories, which users could post for all their friends, and would disappear after 24 hours. This inspired other social media platforms to do the same and was soon integrated into Instagram and Facebook. -
Snowden Tells the Truth
Edward Snowden, former NSA contractor, revealed classified information, speaking about mass surveillance programs and lack of privacy. Snowden was a whistleblower who was warning the public about the major companies taking users data and how they are not transparent. -
TikTok's Rise
TikTok allows for users to create videos from 15 seconds to 3 minutes and is extremely popular among Gen Z, with an algorithm that tracks videos users enjoy watching and align with their interests. This has also impacted influencing culture, where some users make millions of dollars from TikTok. There have been some privacy concerns, which have led to the app being banned in some places. TikTok is a great platform for education, awareness, entertainment, and trends. -
Zoom's Surge in the Pandemic
After the world shut down in 2020, due to COVID-19, workplaces, schools, and meet-ups had to shift to online. With this, Zoom thrived, with remote work, education, healthcare, and collaboration. Even after the world opened back up, some areas have decided to stay on Zoom, using hybrid work areas or integrate to fully online, with ease of use.