The most popular social networking sites in the world, Facebook allows members to share posts, private message, and join social groups to share and discuss a variety of interests.
Facebook allows users to “friend” each other, meaning you add them to your list of contacts, so that when you post to your Facebook page, your friends are able to see it. Likewise, when you log in to Facebook, your homepage displays recent posts from your friends.
Since it launched in February 2004, the social networking site Facebook has soared in popularity. Touted as a “social utility that helps people communicate more efficiently with their friends, family, and coworkers”, Facebook’s ranks have swollen to over 1.5 billion active users worldwide. It has become so popular that most websites now offer the ability to link content to Facebook or “like” their pages, companies now rely on Facebook to advertise products and communicate with their customers, and local organizations across the world rely on Facebook to promote events.
Initially only available as a website, Facebook is now one of the most popular apps for all computers and mobile devices. In addition to its primary social networking app, in 2011 Facebook also launched Messenger, an instant messaging app that allows text and video chatting with your Facebook friends.
Learn More: Facebook: The 800-Pound Gorilla of Social Networking
Also See: Twitter, LinkedIn
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Facebook compare to other social networking sites?
Facebook is something of an all-in-one social networking site. It provides a forum for users to share posts about their day, photographs, videos, and links to websites or articles they’ve enjoyed. You can share these items with your “friends” or make them publicly available. You can join social groups, create your own club or business page, and follow postings from your friends, celebrities, or even your favorite business. You can play games against other members, host events, instant message, and much more.
By contrast, most other social networking sites tend to focus on a specific niche. For example, Twitter focuses on public posts and a condensed messaging system. LinkedIn, whiling offering many of the same features as Facebook, is primarily focused on building business relationships, making it the place to network with coworkers, business partners, or prospective new employers. While other sites have attempted the all-in-one approach, none have been nearly as successful as Facebook.
Can anyone join Facebook?
The only restriction for joining Facebook is that you have to be at least 13 years old (or claim to be 13 years old). In some areas, the age restriction may be higher, based on local laws. Aside from that, anyone with an Internet connection is welcomed to join.
Who runs Facebook?
Facebook has been managed by its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, since its inception in 2004. Facebook went public in 2012, but Zuckerberg continues to hold a majority share, enabling him to maintain tight control over the direction of the company.