• Facebook, now part of Meta Platforms Inc.
, is a global social networking service
founded by Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes in
2004. Originally launched as a platform for college students to connect, Facebook
quickly expanded to a global audience, becoming one of the most influential social
media platforms.
• Facebook enables users to create profiles, connect with friends, share updates,
photos, and videos, and engage with communities or businesses. Features such as the
News Feed, Messenger, and Groups have made it a versatile platform for personal
communication, entertainment, and commerce. Businesses also leverage Facebook for
targeted advertising, reaching billions of users worldwide.
• Beyond its original platform, Facebook acquired key technologies and services,
including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus VR, diversifying its portfolio and
cementing its position as a leader in the tech industry. In 2021, Facebook rebranded to
Meta to reflect its ambitions in the metaverse, a virtual environment blending
augmented and virtual reality for social and business applications.
• However, Facebook has faced controversies, including privacy concerns,
misinformation, and its role in influencing elections. Despite these challenges, it
remains a cornerstone of digital communication, shaping how people interact online
and paving the way for innovative technologies.
