What is the oldest social network?

The concept of social networking as we know it today dates back to the 1990s, but early social networks looked quite different from modern platforms like Facebook or Twitter. The journey from simple online communities to sophisticated global social networks has been fascinating, and pinpointing the "oldest" network depends on how we define it. Some early platforms focused on professional networking, while others were built for friendship, dating, or simply connecting people. Here’s a look at the history and the networks that paved the way for today’s social media giants.

1. Usenet (1979): The Precursor to Social Networking

Although not a “social network” in the sense we know today, Usenet was one of the first online communities. Created in 1979 by Tom Truscott and Jim Ellis at Duke University, Usenet was a system where users could post and read messages in newsgroups, organized by topics. This was a significant development because it allowed people to communicate in a public forum, share ideas, and build community-like interactions.

Why It Matters: Usenet introduced the concept of online public discussions and communities. While it lacked many social networking features (such as profiles or friend connections), it laid the groundwork for online interaction and information exchange.

2. The WELL (1985): The First Online Community

The WELL (Whole Earth ‘Lectronic Link) was launched in 1985 as a dial-up bulletin board system (BBS) based in California. Founded by Stewart Brand and Larry Brilliant, The WELL was known for attracting intellectuals, writers, and technologists who would discuss various topics, from science to politics to culture. Unlike Usenet, The WELL had a strong community aspect, with regular users developing friendships and engaging in long-term discussions.

Why It Matters: The WELL created a true sense of online community and is often seen as a pioneer of social interaction on the internet. It’s still active today, which makes it one of the longest-running online communities in history.

3. LISTSERV (1986): The Birth of Group Communication

While LISTSERV isn’t a social network per se, it was one of the first systems to allow email-based group communication. Created by Eric Thomas in 1986, LISTSERV was an automated email list management tool that allowed people to subscribe to topics of interest and communicate in a group via email. It allowed users to form communities and discuss shared interests.

Why It Matters: LISTSERV introduced the idea of connecting people through shared topics, a fundamental concept in social networking. Many early online communities operated through email lists before web-based social platforms existed.

4. Six Degrees (1997): The First Recognizable Social Network

Launched in 1997, Six Degrees is widely considered the first modern social networking site. Created by Andrew Weinreich, Six Degrees allowed users to create profiles, list friends, and interact with others. The concept was based on the “six degrees of separation” theory, suggesting that everyone in the world is connected by a chain of no more than six people.

Why It Matters: Six Degrees introduced key elements that define social networks today: profiles, friend lists, and user-to-user interaction. However, it was ahead of its time, as internet speeds and adoption rates were lower in the late 1990s, limiting its success. Six Degrees shut down in 2001, but its legacy lives on as the first platform that resembles today’s social networks.

5. LiveJournal (1999): Blogging Meets Social Networking

LiveJournal emerged in 1999 as a blogging platform with social networking features. Founded by Brad Fitzpatrick, LiveJournal allowed users to publish journal entries, comment on others’ posts, and connect with friends. It was one of the first platforms to combine personal publishing (blogging) with social interactions, creating a community where people could share personal stories, creative writing, and opinions.

Why It Matters: LiveJournal pioneered a blend of blogging and social networking, making it a forerunner to later platforms like MySpace and Facebook. It was particularly popular among young adults and creative communities, and it introduced features like “friends-only” posts, which allowed users to control privacy on specific posts.

6. Friendster (2002): The First Mass-Market Social Network

Friendster was launched in 2002 by Jonathan Abrams and is considered the first major social networking platform to gain mass appeal. It was initially designed as a dating site, but it quickly evolved as people started using it to connect with friends and meet new people. Friendster offered users the ability to create profiles, share photos, and message friends.

Why It Matters: Friendster brought the idea of social networking to a larger audience, and its success inspired many future platforms. Although it declined after server issues and competition from MySpace and Facebook, Friendster was instrumental in popularizing online social networking.

7. LinkedIn (2003): Networking for Professionals

In 2003, LinkedIn launched as a social networking site focused on professional connections. Founded by Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn allowed users to create profiles, list work experience, and connect with colleagues, making it one of the first networks dedicated to professional networking.

Why It Matters: LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for career networking and job searching, with over 900 million users today. It introduced a new niche within social networking—professional development—that remains highly relevant.

8. MySpace (2003): The First Social Media Giant

Launched in 2003, MySpace quickly became a cultural phenomenon, especially popular among teenagers and young adults. MySpace allowed users to customize profiles, share music, photos, and videos, and interact in ways that felt personal and expressive. Its popularity made it the first major social network to reach mainstream status.

Why It Matters: MySpace introduced customization and multimedia sharing, allowing users to showcase their personalities through profile themes, songs, and personal blogs. It paved the way for Facebook and other platforms by showing the potential for widespread, interactive social networking.

9. Facebook (2004): Redefining the Social Network

Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook began as a network for Harvard students and quickly expanded to universities across the United States. It introduced a “News Feed” where users could view updates from friends and engage with content. By 2006, Facebook was open to anyone over 13, and it quickly became the most dominant social network worldwide.

Why It Matters: Facebook redefined social networking by focusing on real identities and creating a structured platform for sharing, commenting, and interacting. It has evolved to offer news, entertainment, business tools, and more, becoming a central part of many users’ lives.

Conclusion: How Social Networking Has Evolved

From the early days of Usenet and The WELL to the transformative platforms like Six Degrees, Friendster, and Facebook, social networks have grown from simple online communities to vast, multifaceted platforms that connect billions of people worldwide. Each early network introduced key elements—such as profiles, friend lists, group chats, and content sharing—that are now standard features in modern social media.

While Facebook is often credited as the most influential social network, the journey started much earlier, with platforms like Six Degrees pioneering the concepts that define online social interaction today. These early networks laid the foundation for a connected world, and while some of these platforms no longer exist, their legacy lives on in the social media platforms we use every day.