History of Myspace

    How could one of the internet’s most popular social media be sold for only 35 million in 2011 instead of the websites’ worth of 580 million in 2005? Being sold for only a fraction of its’ value, Myspace was sadly beat out by Facebook. The website was created by a small group of programmers who were members of Friendster. These programmers already had the finances, people, and servers to make Myspace possible. It was originally used as a storage site and then transitioned into the popular social media we know of today. Aside from email and instant messenger, Myspace was the first popular social media where anyone could be connected to their friends and share their thoughts on the web. At its’ peak Myspace had three hundred million users and was valued at twelve billion dollars. Google had signed a deal with Myspace spending millions selling advertising on the website. A year after Myspace was made Facebook came out and started to gain more users. After Facebook out populated Myspace the website was sold for thirty five million and had cut 47% of its’ staff. The website had lost most of their users and advertisers leaving the owners with a huge loss in revenue.

About Myspace

    Myspace had many features that made it different to other social media. The website was unique because of the ability to create your own profile. The user had the power to message one another, customize their page, upload pictures, music, and posts. Myspace allowed the user to play music and change the background on their page in which you cannot do on Facebook. Unlike other websites at the time Myspace had so many options and traits that made it appealing. The site also added many widgets such as Myspace IM, Music, Mobile, News, Classifieds, and MyspaceTV. Artists would use the site to share their music and try to gain more publicity. The famous rapper Macklemore met his wife Tricia Davis and Ryan Lewis on Myspace through one of his music pages. It connected so many people, played a role in political scandals, and even murder cases. Myspace helped internet celebrities and launch musical careers. 

How It Has Impacted My Life

    As a child growing up in a small country town and the closest Wawa or store being three miles away it was difficult to keep in touch with friends. Myspace was a huge part of my childhood from middle school into high school. It allowed me to communicate with the people I knew and even meet new friends as well. Being one of the quiet kids in school it helped me express myself in ways I could not do in person. It was my go to website where I would spend countless hours of my time looking at photos, talking to my friends, and listening to music. I had free range to design my page and say what was on my mind. At first I disliked Facebook and would refuse to become a member of this new website. I was already so used to the way Myspace worked and was sad to let it go. As Facebook started to become the popular social media I found myself making an account and forgetting about Myspace. Even though I have not been on the website in years… it will always have a place in my heart. :)