On February 23, 2004, Mark Zuckerberg announced the launch of Facebook, originally intended as a social networking site for Harvard University students. This marked the beginning of a global social media revolution.

Zuckerberg, along with co-founders Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, created the platform to connect students and foster communication, changing how people interact online.

Facebook rapidly transformed from a college-only network into a global phenomenon, redefining online communication, advertising, and social interaction for billions of users worldwide.

Facebook's user base exploded in the years following its launch, amassing over 1 billion users by 2012, and has since become a formidable force in marketing and politics.

Interestingly, Facebook created a job that didn’t exist before—social media manager—leading to a whole new industry surrounding digital marketing and online presence management.

The platform has faced many controversies over privacy, misinformation, and the impact of social media on mental health, prompting greater discussions on the ethics of technology use.

In its early iterations, Facebook was exclusive to college students—proof of concept for community connection that would evolve into a worldwide networking tool.

Today, as a testament to its cultural impact, Facebook's anniversary is often looked back on as the start of the social media era that continues to shape communication trends around the world.

How has social media changed the way you connect with friends and family?