On February 4, 2004, a small website created in a Harvard dorm room quietly went live. It was called TheFacebook. Two decades later, that experiment has grown into Facebook, a platform that reshaped friendships, politics, business, and even revolutions—connecting over 3 billion people worldwide.
What began as a college networking site soon turned into a global digital town square.
From Dorm Room to Digital Empire
Facebook was launched by Mark Zuckerberg, then a 19-year-old student, along with his classmates. Initially limited to Harvard students, the platform expanded rapidly to other universities and then to the public. By 2008, Facebook had crossed 100 million users. Today, it is the flagship product of Meta, one of the world’s most powerful tech companies.
How Facebook Changed Daily Life
Facebook redefined how people interact online:
- Birthdays became impossible to forget
- Long-lost school friends reappeared on timelines
- News, opinions, and movements spread in seconds
From wedding announcements to political campaigns, Facebook turned everyday moments into public conversations.
A Platform That Shaped History
Over the years, Facebook played a role in major global events—from election campaigns to protest movements. While it empowered voices and small businesses, it also faced criticism over data privacy, misinformation, and mental health concerns.
The platform’s influence became so significant that governments and regulators across the world were forced to rethink laws around social media.
India and Facebook: A Massive Digital Bond
India is Facebook’s largest user base, with hundreds of millions of accounts. For small entrepreneurs, creators, and local businesses, Facebook became a lifeline—especially during the rise of digital payments, online marketplaces, and live video.
What Lies Ahead?
As Meta now bets heavily on AI, virtual reality, and the metaverse, Facebook’s role is evolving. Yet, even after 21 years, it remains a central pillar of the internet.
A Birthday That Changed the World
February 4 is no longer just Facebook’s birthday—it marks the day the world entered a new era of digital connection, where a “friend request” could change lives.