Lasting Legacy of Mark Zuckerberg: A Look at the Influence on History

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Mark Zuckerberg across different fields.

Mark Zuckerberg is an American businessman best known as the co-founder, chairman, CEO, and controlling shareholder of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook). He launched Facebook, a social media platform that grew into a global phenomenon. Zuckerberg's leadership has been marked by both success and controversy, facing lawsuits related to the website's creation, ownership, and user privacy concerns. He remains a prominent figure in the technology industry.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1984: Publication of Hackers

In 1984, Steven Levy wrote the book Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution.

Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution - 25th Anniversary Edition

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2007: Zuckerberg on Creating Open Information Flow

In 2007, Mark Zuckerberg explained that the most important thing for him and his colleagues was to create an open information flow for people.

2008: Named One of the Most Influential People by Time

In 2008, Time magazine named Zuckerberg one of the most influential people in the world.

September 2010: $100 Million Donation to Newark Public Schools

In September 2010, Mark Zuckerberg donated $100 million to Newark Public Schools, the public school system of Newark, New Jersey.

2010: Signing The Giving Pledge

In 2010, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and investor Warren Buffett signed The Giving Pledge, in which they said they would donate to charity at least half of their wealth over the course of time.

2010: The Social Network Film Release

In 2010, The Social Network, a film depicting Mark Zuckerberg's early career, legal troubles, and initial success with Facebook, was released and won multiple Academy Awards.

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2010: Named Time Person of the Year

In 2010, Zuckerberg was named Time Person of the Year, the same year when Facebook surpassed half a billion users.

2011: Kirkpatrick's Assessment of The Social Network

In 2011, David Kirkpatrick, author of 'The Facebook Effect', assessed the film 'The Social Network', stating that "the film is only 40% true".

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2011: Named One of the Most Influential People by Time

In 2011, Time magazine named Zuckerberg one of the most influential people in the world.

2011: Advice from Steve Jobs

In a 2011 interview with PBS shortly after Steve Jobs' death, Mark Zuckerberg said that Jobs had advised him on creating a management team focused on building high-quality things at Facebook.

December 2012: Pledge to Donate Majority of Wealth

In December 2012, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan said that over the course of their lives they would give the majority of their wealth to "advancing human potential and promoting equality" in the spirit of The Giving Pledge.

December 2013: Donation to Silicon Valley Community Foundation

In December 2013, Mark Zuckerberg announced a donation of 18 million Facebook shares to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, totaling $990 million in value. This was recognized as the largest charitable gift on public record for that year.

October 2014: $25 Million Donation to Combat Ebola

In October 2014, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife donated $25 million to combat the Ebola virus disease, specifically the West African Ebola virus epidemic.

February 2015: Endowment to San Francisco General Hospital

In February 2015, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife endowed the foundation of the San Francisco General Hospital with $75 million, resulting in the hospital renaming itself as The Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.

December 1, 2015: Pledge to Transfer Facebook Shares to CZI

On December 1, 2015, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife pledged to transfer 99% of their Facebook shares, then valued at $45 billion, to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI).

December 2016: Ranked Tenth on Forbes List of World's Most Powerful People

In December 2016, Zuckerberg was ranked tenth on the Forbes list of the World's Most Powerful People.

2016: Named One of the Most Influential People by Time

In 2016, Time magazine named Zuckerberg one of the most influential people in the world.

2016: CZI Gave $600 Million to Create Chan Zuckerberg Biohub

In 2016, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) donated $600 million to establish the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, a tax-exempt charity focused on collaborative research in San Francisco. Unlike other foundations, Biohub retained the right to commercialize its funded research, while encouraging open-source discoveries. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Zuckerberg announced $25 million in grants for local journalism and $75 million in Facebook advertisement purchases in local newspapers.