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Early text based forums that let users post messages and share files online, laying the foundation for digital communities.
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America Oline ( AOL ) - popularized dial up internet access and instant messaging, making online chat mainstream in the U.S.
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An early discussion system where people exchanged posts in newsgroups, shaping early online culture.
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One of the first modern social networking sites, introducing the concept of connecting with “friends” online.
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Became the largest social networking site in the mid-2000s, known for music sharing and customizable profiles.
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Launched at Harvard, later opened to the public; revolutionized online identity and became the dominant social network.
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Brought video sharing to the mainstream, transforming how people consume and create online media.
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Introduced microblogging with 140 character posts, shaping real time news and trending conversations.
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The first hashtag (#barcamp) organized conversations by topic, later becoming central to movements and trends.
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Transformed the platform by personalizing content streams, sparking debates about algorithms and visibility.
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Popularized visual sharing with photos and later videos, becoming a cultural hub for lifestyle and branding.
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Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook were used to organize protests and share news globally, showing their power in politics.
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Went viral on Facebook and Instagram, raising awareness and millions of dollars for ALS research, showing the social impact of viral campaigns.
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Revolutionized short-form video content with algorithm driven feeds, especially popular with Gen Z.
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Borrowed from Snapchat, Stories introduced ephemeral 24-hour posts that became a standard across platforms.