When Did Social Media Become a Thing?

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, shaping how we communicate, share information, and even conduct business. But when did social media actually begin? The answer isn’t as simple as pointing to a single platform—social media evolved over decades, with early digital communities paving the way for the giants we know today.

The Early Days: Pre-Internet Social Networking

Before the internet, people connected through bulletin board systems (BBS) in the 1970s and 1980s. These were dial-up networks where users could post messages, share files, and engage in discussions. While primitive by today’s standards, BBS laid the groundwork for online interaction.

In 1997, SixDegrees.com launched, often considered the first true social media platform. It allowed users to create profiles, add friends, and send messages—features that are now standard. However, due to limited internet adoption, it shut down in 2001.

The Rise of Modern Social Media (2000s)

The early 2000s saw the explosion of platforms that defined social media as we know it:

• Friendster (2002) – Popularized the concept of connecting with friends online but struggled with technical issues.
• MySpace (2003) – Became the dominant platform, especially for musicians and teens, before losing ground to Facebook.
• Facebook (2004) – Originally for Harvard students, it expanded globally and became the most influential social network.
• YouTube (2005) – Revolutionized video sharing, turning users into content creators.
• Twitter (2006) – Introduced microblogging and real-time updates.

The Smartphone Boom and Social Media’s Dominance (2010s)

With the rise of smartphones, social media became more accessible and ingrained in daily life:

• Instagram (2010) – Focused on photo-sharing and later stories, becoming a key influencer platform.
• Snapchat (2011) – Popularized disappearing messages and augmented reality filters.
• TikTok (2016) – Dominated short-form video content, especially among younger users.

Social Media Is Here to Stay

While early platforms like SixDegrees and Friendster faded, the core idea of connecting people online only grew stronger. Today, social media is not just about networking—it’s a hub for news, entertainment, activism, and business.

What started as simple online profiles in the late ’90s has evolved into a global phenomenon that continues to shape culture, politics, and personal relationships. And as technology advances, social media will keep transforming in ways we can’t yet imagine.