Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, Inc., was founded by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates in 2004. Initially created as a social networking site for Harvard students, it quickly expanded to other universities and eventually to anyone over the age of 13 worldwide. Facebook, Meta’s flagship product, revolutionized how people connect and communicate online. This platform allowed users to share life events, photos, and interact with content through likes and comments, setting the standard for modern social media interactions.
In the years following its launch, Meta diversified its holdings by acquiring other technology companies, most notably Instagram in 2012, WhatsApp in 2014, and Oculus VR in 2014. These acquisitions helped Meta expand its reach in social networking, instant messaging, and virtual reality, respectively. Each platform under Meta’s umbrella has been developed to foster community and enhance the way people connect across various forms of media, from everyday communications to immersive virtual experiences.