Facebook is a global social media platform where individuals can connect with friends, family, and build online communities. Launched in 2004, it allows users to share updates, photos, videos, and articles, and engage in conversations. It's a key tool for personal networking and, for many, a common way to share information and stay connected online.
HISTORY :- Facebook's history begins in 2003 with Facemash, a game for Harvard students that was later shut down. In February 2004, Mark Zuckerberg launched "The Facebook" as a social networking site specifically for Harvard students. It quickly expanded beyond Harvard, attracting students from other universities and eventually high school students. By 2006, Facebook was open to everyone with a valid email address and 13 years or older. Early Years (2003-2006):- In late 2003, Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard sophomore, created a website called "Facemash" where students could rate the attractiveness of other students. It was shut down after two days due to privacy concerns.
- In February 2004, Zuckerberg relaunched the platform as "The Facebook" for Harvard students.
- Facebook quickly expanded to other colleges, including Yale, Columbia, and Stanford, in March 2004.
- By September 2006, Facebook opened its doors to anyone with a valid email address and 13 years or older, solidifying its position as a global social network.
Growth and Features (2006-2012):- In 2006, Facebook introduced the News Feed, a feature that became central to user engagement.
- By 2007, Facebook surpassed MySpace in global traffic, becoming the world's most popular social media platform.
- Facebook developed mobile services, and the number of users accessing the platform on their phones grew significantly.
- In 2012, Facebook went public with a large initial public offering (IPO).
Acquisitions and Continued Growth (2012-Present):- Facebook acquired Instagram and WhatsApp in 2012 and 2014, respectively, expanding its influence into other areas like photography and messaging.
- In 2021, Mark Zuckerberg changed the company's name to Meta, reflecting a growing focus on virtual and augmented reality.
Early Years (2003-2006):
- In late 2003, Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard sophomore, created a website called "Facemash" where students could rate the attractiveness of other students. It was shut down after two days due to privacy concerns.
- In February 2004, Zuckerberg relaunched the platform as "The Facebook" for Harvard students.
- Facebook quickly expanded to other colleges, including Yale, Columbia, and Stanford, in March 2004.
- By September 2006, Facebook opened its doors to anyone with a valid email address and 13 years or older, solidifying its position as a global social network.
Growth and Features (2006-2012):
- In 2006, Facebook introduced the News Feed, a feature that became central to user engagement.
- By 2007, Facebook surpassed MySpace in global traffic, becoming the world's most popular social media platform.
- Facebook developed mobile services, and the number of users accessing the platform on their phones grew significantly.
- In 2012, Facebook went public with a large initial public offering (IPO).
Acquisitions and Continued Growth (2012-Present):
- Facebook acquired Instagram and WhatsApp in 2012 and 2014, respectively, expanding its influence into other areas like photography and messaging.
- In 2021, Mark Zuckerberg changed the company's name to Meta, reflecting a growing focus on virtual and augmented reality.