MIAMI, United States. — For many, the irruption of the networks has marked a turning point in the history of the 21st century. So much so that today’s world would not be understood without platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram and, of course, Facebook.
Launched on February 4, 2004 under the name of The Facebook, the social network was the brainchild of Mark Zuckerberg, who, along with Harvard University students and roommates (Eduardo Saverin, Andrew MacCollum, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes ), they conceived what was intended to be a private network for the exchange of information between students of that higher education center.
Its immediate success meant that in a few months the social network spread to other universities in the Boston area, until it became popular throughout the United States.
In September 2006, general public access to the project was allowed, a step that would eventually lead Facebook to become the social network with the largest number of registered users on the planet.
Over the past 19 years, the platform has continually refined its user interface and features, adapting to the needs of audiences around the world.
Facebook has revolutionized the way people interact and share information, allowing citizens to connect and keep in touch with friends and family around the world.
The social network has also had an impact on advertising and commerce, allowing companies to reach massive audiences effectively.
In countries like Cuba, the platform has been key in the struggle of civil society to break censorship imposed by the Castro regime with its media monopoly.
However, Facebook has also come under fire for issues such as the collection and use of its users’ personal information, including sales to advertisers and third parties; its role in spreading fake news and disinformation; among other.
