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Usenet became popular for its ability to share messages electronically with others. The platform inspired what we now know as emails. -
AOL is an American web portal. Though it's still around, the platform gained popularity for its convenience and simple interface. AOL would go on to inspire the internet empire that is Google. -
Six Degrees was a social networking website created by Andrew Weinreich in New York City. It's regarded by many as being the first social media platform, paving the way for the platforms we use now in 2025! Six Degrees allowed users to add family and friends, as well as interact with others by sharing messages and posting bulletin board items. -
Myspace was one of the first social media platforms. It reached a global audience and is seen as the predecessor of Facebook, helping establish what social media is today. -
Facebook is considered by many, especially Generation Z, as being the first social media platform. The platform prioritizes sharing images and notes and being connected with friends and family. The platform has established what social media is today. -
YouTube is a video content platform, allowing users to share their lives and hobbies. Since its launch, the platform has become the most popular video-sharing resource in the world. It's made video content, such as vlogs, movies, music, and more accessible to the average person. -
Reddit is a popular social media platform. The platform allows those to join communities and interact with others who have similar interests. The platform has resulted in millions forming online communities and friendships. -
Twitter was launched as an sms service, a way for people to communicate with a group of people. The platform would go on to become one of the most popular social media platforms, creating thousands of viral moments. -
In 2007, a San Diego resident wanted to inform his neighbors and the world about fires in his community. With this, he used #sandiegofire and posted on popular social media platforms. A blogger, Stowe Boyd discovered this, coining the term "hashtag". 3 years later, hashtags would be introduced on the platform Twitter (now X), placing the symbol on a pedestal. -
Instagram is a social media platform that promotes the sharing of images, allowing others to get a glimpse into our lives. The platform has changed the way we share our lives, even creating its own culture. The platform is now one of the most popular in the world. -
Snapchat introduced basic facial filters, like a dog, a flower crown, and fun ways to change the shape of your face. This would spark other platforms to add similar features. Filters also added to the conversation of social media's relationship with body dysmorphia, as the filters were found to change people's natural features, such as nose shapes, lip shapes, and skin tone. -
Musical.ly was a short-form video platform, later becoming TikTok. A successor of Vine, the platform popularized the use of short-form content, incorporating it into different environments, such as advertising, informational, funny, and more. The app has transformed the way we interact with content in our daily lives. -
AI Assistant Grok was added to X to help users with their needs. This would become popular with other platforms like Reddit, adding assistants as well. -
In 2023, Elon Musk announced on X that users would be limited to how many posts they could see in a day. Users and companies were not happy with the platform, with many making fun of the decision and companies pulling their ads entirely. The limitations highlighted the control companies have and how human interaction and connection, though online, shouldn’t be limited. The limitations were overturned a few days later. -
TikTok, a Chinese-owned short-form video platform, was banned in the United States. The ban was due to the suspicion that the app was collecting and misusing data from American users. At 11 pm, American users were greeted by a permanent note on their screens announcing that the app was no longer available, and it was also removed from app stores. Following Trump's inauguration, the ban was reversed. The ban highlighted government interference, user security, and censorship.