20 Crazy Facts You Never Knew About Social Media
JL
Last updated 01/19/2024 by
Jennifer LeonhardiSummary:
Discover 20 astounding facts about social media that reveal its immense impact, unexpected origins, and surprising trends. This article delves into the lesser-known aspects of these digital platforms, offering a comprehensive and eye-opening view of the social media landscape.
Social media is more than just a way to stay connected; it’s a digital universe with its own astonishing realities. Here, we uncover 20 facts about social media that are as fascinating as they are surprising.
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20 facts you probably don’t know about social media
1. The inception of social media
SixDegrees.com, launched in 1997, is considered the first social media platform, allowing users to create profiles and ‘friend’ others.
2. Facebook’s staggering growth
From 1 million users in 2004, Facebook skyrocketed to over 3.1 billion users by 2024.
3. Daily time spent on social media
On average, people spend around 145 minutes per day on social media.
4. Social media in outer space
In 2009, an astronaut sent the first tweet from space.
5. The fastest-growing social platform
TikTok, launched in 2016, became the fastest-growing social media app, reaching 1 billion users in just four years.
6. Twitter’s original name
Twitter, well X, was initially called “Twttr.”
7. The most-liked Instagram post
A picture of an egg holds the record for the most-liked Instagram post.
8. LinkedIn’s professional network
Two professionals join LinkedIn every second.
9. YouTube’s massive viewership
YouTube users watch over 1 billion hours of video each day.
10. Facebook’s massive photo library
Over 350 million photos are uploaded to Facebook daily.
11. The hashtag phenomenon
The first hashtag ever used on Twitter was #barcamp in August 2007.
12. WhatsApp’s massive messaging
Over 100 billion messages are sent on WhatsApp every day.
13. Social media and e-commerce
90% of Instagram users follow at least one business.
14. Snapchat’s ephemeral content
Over 3 billion snaps are created daily on Snapchat.
15. The power of social influencers
Influencer marketing is set to become a $15 billion industry by 2022.
16. Social media’s role in emergencies
During natural disasters, social media is increasingly used for real-time information and relief coordination.
17. Social media in job hunting
70% of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process.
18. The impact on retail
81% of shoppers research products on Instagram and Facebook before making a purchase.
19. The age of social media users
Over 30% of all seniors over 65 are on Facebook.
20. Global reach
More than half of the world’s population uses social media.
Frequently asked questions
What was the first-ever social media site?
SixDegrees.com, launched in 1997, is considered the first social media site.
How many people use social media worldwide?
As of 2021, there are over 4 billion social media users globally.
Can social media be used effectively in emergencies?
Yes, social media has become a crucial tool for real-time information and coordination during emergencies, such as natural disasters and crises.
What is the most-liked post on Instagram?
As of now, the most-liked post on Instagram is a photo of an egg, which was part of a campaign to set a world record.
How has social media influenced the job market?
Social media has significantly transformed the job market, with many employers using these platforms for candidate screening and job advertising.
Key takeaways
- Social media’s origins can be traced back to SixDegrees.com in 1997.
- Platforms like Facebook and TikTok have shown unprecedented growth in user numbers.
- Unique aspects of social media include its use in space, in emergencies, and in influencing global politics and commerce.
- It’s not just for the young; a significant portion of seniors are active on social media.
- The influence of social media spans from enhancing global communication to raising privacy and mental health concerns.
JL
Jennifer Leonhardi was born and raised on Catalina Island, giving her a unique small town perspective and focus on community. With a degree in Sociology, she now primarily enjoys writing, largely based on her own experiences, on topics such as financial assistance programs, issues concerning the home and family, and socioeconomic trends.
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