Facebook

Facebook, officially known as Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook, Inc.), is one of the largest and best-known social networks in the world. Originally founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates, it initially served as a platform for Harvard University students before being made available to the general public. Facebook allows users to connect online by creating profiles, sharing photos and videos, exchanging messages and communicating with each other via status updates.

Over the years, Facebook has significantly expanded its offering to include features such as marketplaces for buying and selling goods, powerful tools for advertisers and a platform for various media content. In addition, the company has integrated other popular services and applications such as Instagram, WhatsApp and Oculus VR into its portfolio through acquisitions.

Facebook has not only revolutionized the way people communicate and share information, but has also had a significant impact on marketing, the media landscape and even political processes. Despite its success story, the company regularly faces challenges, including issues of data security, privacy and the spread of misinformation. In response to the growing importance of virtual and augmented realities, Facebook announced a major rebranding initiative in 2021 and renamed itself Meta to signal its focus on developing the so-called metaverse, an inclusive digital world that is seen as the next stage in the internet.