- SixDegrees was the first modern social network in 1997, based on the six degrees theory.
- Platforms like Friendster, Fotolog and MySpace laid the foundations for today's networks.
- Tuenti stood out in Spain as a youth alternative to Facebook enjoyed between 2006 and 2012.
- Facebook revolutionized the concept of social networking in 2004, integrating many previous functions.
When we think of social media, our minds go straight to giants like Facebook, Instagram o TikTok. But the truth is that long before the dominance of these platforms, there was already a booming digital universe where people sought to connect, share, and communicate. history of social networks It began decades ago as a natural evolution of the human need to be connected, supported by advances in the Internet since the 90s.
This article is a journey into the digital past, a chronological and human review of those platforms that, with more enthusiasm than resources, laid the first building blocks for what is now one of the most essential parts of our daily digital lives. If you've ever used MessengerWhether you had a MySpace account or uploaded photos to Fotolog, this tour will fill you with nostalgia... and a smile or two.
The origins: SixDegrees, the pioneer
Few know that the first modern social network It emerged in 1997 under the name of Six Degrees. Created by Andrew Weinreich, this innovative platform allowed users to create a profile, add friends and even see their friends' friends, based on the famous six degrees of separation theoryThis social network had a clear purpose: to demonstrate that every person is connected to another through a few intermediary relationships.
SixDegrees was ahead of its time. Although it had a brilliant idea, the technological infrastructure was still limited, and internet access wasn't as common as it is today. Even so, it managed to garner millions of users before shutting down in 2001. What it did manage to do was lay the foundation for future social networks: Personal profiles, friends lists and connections between users. Furthermore, his legacy is felt in today's platforms that continue to innovate in the digital communication.
Friendster: The Network That Could Have Been
In 2002 it would appear Friendster, created by Jonathan AbramsThis social network also adopted the principle of six degrees of separation and focused on connecting friends, family, and acquaintances with a more user-friendly interface than its predecessor.
At first it was a resounding success, accumulating three million users in just one yearEven musicians and actors joined in, giving it that exclusive touch that internet users were looking for. But Technical failures such as slow servers and poor management of its growth caused its popularity to decline rapidly. In 2011, it attempted to reinvent itself as a gaming platform, but without success. It finally shut down in 2018.
Fotolog and its photographic revolution
In parallel, during that same year 2002, arose photoblog, a social network focused on photography. The premise was simple: a photo a day accompanied by comments. This limited but effective approach fostered the creation of a true digital community, where users eagerly awaited their daily likes and comments.
Fotolog managed to harvest more than 18 million accounts, and although it closed in 2016, it briefly returned as an app in 2018. Today it is remembered as the direct predecessor of Instagram, a kind of vintage version where the important thing was to share, not so much competing. This phenomenon is part of a larger narrative in the evolution of social technology.
MySpace: The Great Heir to the Throne
A year later, in 2003, it would see the light MySpace, one of the most influential platforms of that first big wave. It combined personalized profiles, messaging between users, and, above all, The musicMany emerging artists found their first virtual stage here. Between 2005 and 2008, MySpace was the most popular network on the planet, reaching over 230 million users.
However, a lack of innovation and the arrival of Facebook marked its downfall. Although it still exists, it has never been able to regain its place at the top.
MSN Messenger: more than a social network
Launched in 1999, MSN Messenger (later called Windows Live Messenger) was not a social network as such, but it fulfilled a similar function: communicate in real time. It allowed you to exchange files, chat via instant messages, and even play games. It was the precursor to WhatsApp and other apps current messaging.
During its heyday, it surpassed the 330 million active users and was part of daily life for an entire generation. In 2013, it disappeared permanently, merging with Skype.
LinkedIn: The professional network that lasts
Also in 2003 appeared LinkedIn, designed exclusively for professional environments. It allowed Create an online resume, network, and search for jobs. Since its inception, it has gained relevance until it became a key tool for business networking. Today it has more than 830 million users and remains fully valid.
Tuenti: the Spanish company that challenged Facebook
In 2006, in Spain was born Tuenti, a social network aimed at young people. Its success was resounding, surpassing the 15 million usersInitially, access was by invitation, which gave it an exclusive feel. Many young people preferred Tuenti to Facebook to avoid meeting their parents online.
Between 2009 and 2012, it enjoyed its peak, but the arrival of new options like Twitter and Instagram marked the beginning of its decline. In 2013, it ceased to be a social network as such and was acquired as a mobile operator by Telefónica.
Other pre-Facebook phenomena
- Hi5: Although not as popular in Spain, it was a widely used social network in Latin America in the mid-2000s.
- Buzz: Created by Google, unsuccessfully attempted to compete with Facebook in 2010.
- SecondLife: Halfway between a social network and a virtual world, it allowed people to interact in a 3D universe.
All these attempts, although not always successful in the long term, served to fuel the evolution of the concept of social networking. Each contributed some functionality that we take for granted today.
The birth of Facebook: the paradigm shift
In 2004, Mark Zuckerberg, from Harvard, launched FacebookInitially, its purpose was to connect students on campus. But its growth was rapid: first, it expanded to other universities, and in 2006, it opened to the global public.
The concept of Public profile, post wall, tags, and real-time news transformed the online experience. Facebook became not only the absolute leader, but the new standard. Its evolution has been constant: in 2021 it renamed itself Meta, and has acquired companies such as Instagram (2012) y whatsapp (2014).
Social networks before Facebook taught us that Human connection doesn't depend on algorithms, but on the desire to shareSome networks failed due to technical errors, others due to a lack of innovation, but all left their mark.
Since the Messenger buzzes From the daily photos on Fotolog to the decorated profiles on MySpace, each platform contributed a grain of sand to what we understand today as a social network.
The history of social media before Facebook isn't just a chronology of defunct platforms. It's a reflection of how our way of communicating, interacting, and expressing ourselves has evolved. It taught us lessons about usability, community, privacy and virality, foundations still valid in current social networks.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.