Discuss one important person or event in the past 10 years of the Internet

February 2004: Facebook launched.

Facebook is a social media networking site created by Mark Zuckerberg, a former student of Harvard University. Although it has only been in existence for a short period of time, Facebook has greatly impacted how people communicate online. Facebook allows users to create a profile and connect their profile with their friends, co-workers, and acquaintances etc to create a communication network. When it was first launched, membership to the site was limited to current college students with valid school e-mail addresses. Membership guidelines changed over time, first allowing high school students to join the site. Now, virtually anyone can create their own Facebook page.

Since site revenue is built upon banner ads, Facebook offers unique opportunities for marketing. Businesses have begun using Facebook to connect with consumers. Case in point: I have become a "fan" of Yankee Candle and linked my profile with YCC's Facebook page. I now receive updates on what the company is up to (new products etc).

How Do You Use the Internet?

Since losing my job, I find that I use the Internet a lot to search job postings, read resume writing tips, and career building articles. I also follow a series of music/pop-culture blogs, use e-mail, and use Facebook to stay connected with friends from undergrad. My mom, meanwhile, reads craft and hobby message boards, online banks, and searches teacher resource pages for tools and ideas she can incorporate into her lesson plans. My dad used the Internet mostly for e-mail, but would occasionally purchase catalogue items from company websites.