Hazrat Hilal
Buner: Have you ever wondered what social media really is, who founded it, how it began, and which platform was the first true social networking site?
Today, social media is deeply integrated into our daily lives, but its journey began long before Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) became household names.
Social media refers to online platforms that allow users to create, share, and interact with content while communicating with others across the world. Popular examples include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and X.
According to Andreas Kaplan and Michael Haenlein (2010), social media is:
“A group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0 and allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content.”
Social media is called “social media” because it combines interpersonal communication with mass broadcasting.
Unlike traditional communication tools such as telephones, which mainly support one-to-one conversations, social media enables information to be shared with millions of people simultaneously.
The Beginning
Andrew Weinreich is often regarded as one of the pioneers and founding figures of social media. The first true social networking platform was SixDegrees.com, launched in 1997. It allowed users to create public profiles, build friend lists, and explore the social connections of others.
SixDegrees.com attracted nearly 3.5 million users, but it shut down in 2000. The platform was considered ahead of its time because internet access was still limited, and digital technology had not yet become widespread enough to support large-scale online interaction.
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Following SixDegrees, several other platforms emerged and shaped the future of social networking.
Early Platforms
LiveJournal (1999):Allowed users to write online journals and diaries while interacting through comments and friend lists.
Asian Avenue and BlackPlanet (1999): Community-focused social networking sites designed for specific ethnic and cultural groups.
MiGente (2000):A platform aimed at Latino and Hispanic users, offering profiles and social networking features.
Cyworld (2001):A South Korean platform that introduced strong social networking features and became highly influential in Asia.
Ryze (2001):One of the earliest professional networking sites and a predecessor to LinkedIn.
Fotolog (2002): An early photo-sharing and blogging platform.
Friendster (2002):One of the first globally popular social networks, especially successful in Asia.
The Social Boom
The year 2003 marked a turning point when social media entered the mainstream. Several major platforms were launched, including:
- MySpace
- Hi5
- Couchsurfing
In 2004, Facebook was launched by Mark Zuckerberg and his roommates at Harvard University. Initially limited to Harvard students, it later expanded worldwide and became one of the most influential social media platforms in history.
In 2005, YouTube revolutionized video sharing, while Twitter emerged in 2006, introducing short-form public communication that changed online interaction forever.
The Social Era
Today, social media is accessible to almost everyone. Elderly people use smartphones to stay connected with family and friends, while children often access social media through their parents’ devices or personal mobile phones.
For many people, social media has become a way to build identity and recognition. Viral videos, posts, and online trends can quickly turn ordinary individuals into public figures. However, alongside these opportunities come significant challenges.
Sharing Ideas Worldwide
Social media has transformed communication and information sharing in remarkable ways. It allows people to receive news and updates instantly from around the world.
Businesses use social media for digital marketing and online sales, creating new economic opportunities.
Politicians and public figures also use social media to spread their ideas, campaigns, and narratives directly to the public. In many ways, social media has strengthened freedom of expression by giving users a platform to share their opinions, experiences, and concerns openly.
Entertainment is another major aspect of social media. Millions of users spend time watching videos, browsing memes, following influencers, and engaging with creative content every day.
When Social Media Turns Toxic
Despite its advantages, social media also has serious negative impacts. One of the most concerning issues is its effect on mental health, particularly among young people.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) reports:
- 11% of adolescents show signs of problematic social media use.
- 12% are at risk of problematic online gaming.
- 34% play digital games daily for four to five continuous hours.
- 36% remain in constant online contact with friends.
Excessive social media use can lead to addiction, anxiety, stress, reduced productivity, and social isolation. It can also spread misinformation and manipulate public opinion through false or misleading content.
Another major concern is time wastage. Many users spend countless hours scrolling through content without realizing how deeply social media controls their routines and habits.
Social media has become an inseparable part of modern life. From its early beginnings with SixDegrees.com to today’s global platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X, it has transformed the way people communicate, learn, and entertain themselves.
While social media offers enormous benefits, including connectivity, education, business opportunities, and freedom of expression, it also presents challenges related to mental health, misinformation, and addiction.
Ultimately, social media is neither entirely good nor entirely bad. Its impact depends on how responsibly people choose to use it.
The writer is a student of English Literature, currently studying at International Islamic University Islamabad.
The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.
