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Companies Encyclopedia Entry 1779292985

** This article provides an in-depth look at the history, key information, and significance of a prominent company in the industry. **CONTENT:** ## Overview **Company Name:** Meta Platforms, Inc. Meta Platforms, Inc., commonly referred to as Meta, is a multinational technology and online social media company that has revolutionized the way people interact, communicate, and access information online. Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his college roommates and fellow Harvard University students Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, Meta has grown to become one of the world's most influential and successful technology companies. Meta's primary product, Facebook, has become an integral part of modern life, with over 2.7 billion monthly active users worldwide. The company's mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. Meta's services include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus, among others. The company's headquarters is located in Menlo Park, California, and it has become a leader in the technology industry, known for its innovative products and services. ## History/Background Meta's origins date back to 2003 when Mark Zuckerberg created a website called "Facemash" while attending Harvard University. The site allowed users to compare the photos of two students and vote on which one was more attractive. The site became popular, but also generated controversy and was eventually shut down by the university. In 2004, Zuckerberg, along with his friends, launched "Thefacebook," a social networking site exclusively for Harvard students. The site quickly gained popularity, and within a month, it had attracted over 50,000 users. In 2005, the site expanded to other colleges and universities, and in 2006, it opened up to the general public. ## Key Information * **Revenue:** Meta generates revenue primarily through advertising, with over 98% of its revenue coming from advertising sales. * **Market Capitalization:** As of 2022, Meta's market capitalization is over $850 billion, making it one of the largest publicly traded companies in the world. * **Employees:** Meta has over 80,000 employees worldwide, with offices in over 50 countries. * **Products:** Meta's primary products include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus, among others. * **Acquisitions:** Meta has acquired several companies, including Instagram (2012) and WhatsApp (2014). ## Significance Meta's impact on society cannot be overstated. The company's products have revolutionized the way people interact, communicate, and access information online. Facebook, in particular, has become an integral part of modern life, with over 2.7 billion monthly active users worldwide. Meta's influence extends beyond its products, with the company playing a significant role in shaping online discourse and influencing public opinion. The company's algorithms have been criticized for promoting misinformation and extremism, and its handling of user data has raised concerns about privacy and security. Despite these challenges, Meta remains a leader in the technology industry, known for its innovative products and services. The company's mission to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together continues to inspire and motivate its employees and users alike. **INFOBOX:** - **Name:** Meta Platforms, Inc. - **Type:** Technology and Online Social Media Company - **Date:** Founded in 2004 - **Location:** Menlo Park, California - **Known For:** Creating Facebook, one of the world's most popular social networking sites. **TAGS:** Technology, Social Media, Online Communities, Advertising, Market Capitalization, Employee Count, Product Development, Acquisitions, Online Discourse.