Facebook is probably one of the most recognizable names of the 21st century.
This social media site is known as a place where you can share photos, post on your “wall,” and keep your friends and family updated on almost any topic you choose.
Mark Zuckerberg was born in White Plains, New York and is best known as the founder of Facebook. His story is one of trial, error and eventual success, and it continues to evolve.
On this day in history, February 3, 1870, the 15th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, giving black men the right to vote.
On this day in history, February 4, 2004, Harvard University student Zuckerberg launched what was then known as Facebook.
Zuckerberg’s path to Facebook began in 2003 with an online program called Facemash, of which he was the main developer.
Mark Zuckerberg was a student at Harvard University when he launched Facemash and Facebook. He eventually dropped out to run a business. (Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
According to Britannica, the concept revolved around the idea that students could judge the attractiveness of other college students in the program.
The site was initially considered a success with 450 students quickly joining.
How to change your Facebook password
However, Facemash violated university policy and, as Britannica noted, was shut down after just two days.
Facebook was launched in February 2004. Its purpose was to allow college students to share photos and personal updates with others. (Juana Arias/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Zuckerberg took note of Facemash’s rapid success and decided in February 2004 to launch another site for Harvard students called The Facebook.
Britannica said this interesting site was different because it allowed students to post information about themselves, including photos and class schedules.
Social media use may affect brain development in adolescents, study says
Its popularity grew, and the site soon expanded to include students at Yale and Stanford universities.
According to Britannica, more than 250,000 students from more than 34 schools used Facebook within the first four months of the site’s launch.
Facebook’s popularity skyrocketed after its launch and has remained stable for about 20 years. (St. Petersburg)
By the end of 2004, Facebook had more than 1 million users and Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard University to run a business.
Continued success came as the platform introduced tagging features, unlimited photo uploads, and lowered the sign-up age to 13 years old.
Click here to sign up for our lifestyle newsletter
Facebook was also able to monetize its app early on by allowing businesses to buy advertising space on its site.
Social media platforms are available as mobile phone apps. As technology evolved, so did Facebook. (St. Petersburg)
Menlo Park, Calif.-based Facebook has faced backlash for years for its lack of privacy and the sale of user data, according to History.com.
The story of Facebook’s founding and early, complicated path to success was made into a 2010 film starring actor Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Timberlake, also known as The Social Network.
On this day in history, February 4, 2004, Mark Zuckerberg’s “The Facebook” was launched for students at Harvard University. Meta Platforms is headquartered in Menlo Park, California. (Taylor Hill/Getty Images/iStock)
(At the 83rd Academy Awards, the film received eight nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Eisenberg, and won Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Editing.)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Zuckerberg’s technology company Facebook, Inc. currently owns multiple companies, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger.
In October 2021, Facebook, Inc. announced that it would change its parent company name to . meta platform — Britannica says this alludes to the virtual reality experience users will have on the platform.
For more lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle..
