03 Sep, 2009
Social Networking Websites: Then & Now
You are here: Home » Social Media » Social Networking Websites: Then & Now
With the ever-changing nature of the Internet, it is interesting to look at the progression of social networking since the creation of some of the now-famous websites. Myspace, Facebook and Twitter – three of the most popular websites currently on the web, but they weren’t always as visually appealing and usable. 10 of the Internet’s favourite social networking websites have been compared to their original design.
Please click the images to enlarge.
1. Facebook: 6th August 2005 – Present Day
2. MySpace: 4th October 2003 – Present Day
3. Twitter: 9th November 2006 – Present Day
4. Bebo: 22nd January 2005 – Present Day
5. LinkedIn: 4th June 2006 – Present Day
6. hi5: 4th February 2004 – Present Day
7. LiveJournal: 27th November 1999 – Present Day
8. Flickr: 29th April 2004 – Present Day
9. deviantART: 15th August 2000 – Present Day
10. Last.fm: 16th August 2003 – Present Day
Please note: dates may not be completely accurate.
It’s interesting to see how these social networking websites have evolved over the last few years (or 10 years in the case of LiveJournal!), and there have been obvious improvements in all cases. One of the key changes on each of the websites is that the call to action is much clearer. Whereas the sites originally talked about the various features hoping you would sign up, they now prompt you to sign up first, and provide the advantages afterwards.
What significance can you see between then and now? Is there a particular social networking website I missed out from the list? Did you prefer the good old days? Leave a comment and let me know!
5 | Kieron Hughes
September 4th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Yeah Rob, I guess so. With each of the sites competing for more users, maybe it is just a case of sign up as many people as possible, and worry about whether they like it later.