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Talkomatic Created
"Talkomatic" is an online chatting system on the PLATO system developed by researchers at University of Illinois. It allowed for letter-by-letter mesages between participants. -
FidoNet Created
FidoNet is a computer network for bulletin board systems (BBS) that allows for exchange of private/public messaging in the BBS network. It allowed for millions of users around the world to communicate with one another, which was revolutionary for its time. -
Classmates.com Launches
Classmates.com launched and worked with schools to help classmates find and contact each other online, even if they were already graduated. Classmates.com has a huge archive of yearbooks that can be accessed. -
Bolt.com Launches
Bolt.com was the first social networking website created. It allowed for video and as well. However, for copyright violations, in 2007 it was shut down and even after relaunch it didn't stay for long. -
SixDegrees.com Launches
SixDegrees.com is a social network service site that allows a user have connections. It was based on the concept of six degrees of separation meaning that any two specific people are connected to one another through at most six other people. -
Open Diary Launches
Open Diary is the first social blogging network created. It invented the reader comment, a feature which has been expanded upon and used in many other social media platforms that came after. -
AOL Instant Messenger Launches
AOL Instant Messenger was an instant messaging platform that allowed real time messages and files to others. Away messages were a customizable feature that influenced later on social medias. -
Hot or Not Launches
Hot or Not was a website that allowed users to upload a chosen picture of themselves for other users to rate 1-10 for attractiveness. It blew up quickly and millions of people uploaded and interreacted with others on the website. -
Windows Messenger and XP Launched
Windows Messenger was an instant messaging client in the Windows XP system which was released at the same time. Windows XP was new technology for the time of its release, adding a higher bit system and more security to users. -
SixDegrees.com Shuts Down
SixDegrees.com launched in 1997 as an early form of social networking for users. It got bought out in 1999 for $125 million and shut down in 2001. -
Friendster Launches
Friendster was a social networking and gaming site for user to interact on. On the platform, friends could maintain contact and share content online with those friends. -
Skype Launches
Skype is a video conference service that allows groups to meet on a computer with a camera for meetings and calls. Skype is primarily utilized by businesses to meet, see one another, and to exchange ideas without needing to be in the same room all at once. -
Myspace Launches
Myspace is a social networking service that shaped online cultures specifically around pop culture and music. On myspace you can connect with friends and share with one another messages and content. -
LinkedIn Releases
LinkedIn is a social networking service primarily for business, hiring, and resume purposes that allows for online display of credentials and skills. Connections and friends in the business world can be easily made. -
Facebook Launches
Facebook is a social media platform that allows for friends to connect, content to be shared, profiles to be created, and so much more. It is the most popular social network of all time and remains very mainstream today. -
Youtube Launches
Youtube is a video sharing media platform that allows creators from anywhere to post videos about whatever they would like. Video content of all sorts can be found, shared, and liked. Youtube is still one of the most popular social media platforms today. -
Reddit Launches
Reddit is a social news and discussion website that allows users to explore, comment, and collaborate on anything that a group might be interested in. Reddit is still popular and prevalent today. -
Twitter Launches
Twitter is a blogging and social media platform that allows users to friend, comment, create content, and create discussions. Twitter is now known as X after being acquired by Elon Musk. -
Grindr Releases
Grindr is a social dating and networking app designed for LGBTQ+ individuals, but primarily men. It was the first main dating app for LGBTQ+ individuals and just an early on dating app in general. -
Instagram Releases
Instagram is a photo and video sharing social media platform which allows users to friend others and like and comment on the posts of others. Additional features such as reels and direct messaging also enhance the experience. Instagram is still widely used today. -
Snapchat Releases
Snapchat is a photo and video sharing social media which allows for quick picture or video direct messages with friends. Snapchat also has additional features like stories and streaks to engage its users. Snapchat is still widely used today. -
Twitch Releases
Twitch is a live-streaming platform which allows for people to stream content live for users to watch, primarily video games. Twitch is still heavily used among the gaming community. -
Vine Releases
Vine was a video-sharing social media where short videos were posted and looped. Users could like and comment on videos in their feed and post their own videos. Often videos were trendy or funny. -
Slack Releases
Slack is an instant messaging service that allows businesses and organizations to communicate and collaborate on a project or work. Slack is still used by many groups and organizations to communicate for projects. -
Discord Launches
Discord is a direct messaging and communication service that allows communities online to chat and call. Discord is primarily used by gamers and is commonly used to this day. -
Vine Shutdown
Vine was a video-sharing social media where short videos were posted and looped. Users could like and comment on videos in their feed and post their own videos. Vine was shut down by Twitter, which ran it at the time. -
TikTok Releases
TikTok is a social media platform where users post short videos for other users to like, comment, and share with others. All types of short videos are found on TikTok, including companies trying to advertise their products. TikTok is still very popular today.