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 in 2004, revolutionizing social networking and connecting billions globally. Zuckerberg has led Meta through significant acquisitions like Instagram and WhatsApp, expanding its reach and influence. He is also known for his philanthropic endeavors through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, focusing on health, education, and scientific research. Despite facing scrutiny regarding data privacy and the impact of social media, Zuckerberg 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

1934: Communications Act Established

In 1934, the Communications Act was established. In 2020, it was used to issue subpoenas to tech CEOs including Zuckerberg.

1984: Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution Published

In 1984, Steven Levy wrote the book Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution, which was used to describe Zuckerberg as a hacker in 2010.

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

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2007: Zuckerberg Interview on Open Information Flow

In a 2007 interview, Mark Zuckerberg explained his reasoning for not selling Facebook to major corporations, stating that creating an open information flow for people was more important than the amount of money.

2009: Ranked on Vanity Fair 100 List

In 2009, Mark Zuckerberg ranked number 23 on the Vanity Fair 100 list.

September 2010: Donation to Newark Public Schools

In September 2010, Zuckerberg donated $100 million to Newark Public Schools. Critics noted the timing was close to the release of The Social Network, which painted a negative portrait of Zuckerberg.

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October 1, 2010: The Social Network Movie Released

On October 1, 2010, The Social Network, a movie based on Zuckerberg and the founding years of Facebook, was released, starring Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg.

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October 3, 2010: Zuckerberg Voiced Himself on The Simpsons

On October 3, 2010, Zuckerberg voiced himself on an episode of The Simpsons titled "Loan-a Lisa".

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October 9, 2010: Saturday Night Live Lampooned Zuckerberg and Facebook

On October 9, 2010, Saturday Night Live lampooned Zuckerberg and Facebook. Andy Samberg portrayed Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg was reported to have been amused.

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October 30, 2010: Colbert Awards Medal of Fear to Zuckerberg

On October 30, 2010, Stephen Colbert awarded a "Medal of Fear" to Zuckerberg at the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, "because he values his privacy much more than he values yours".

2010: The Social Network Film Release

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

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2010: Zuckerberg as a Hacker

In 2010, Steven Levy, who wrote the 1984 book Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution, wrote that Zuckerberg "clearly thinks of himself as a hacker". Zuckerberg said that "it's OK to break things" "to make them better".

2010: Named Most Influential Person by Vanity Fair

In 2010, Vanity Fair magazine named Mark Zuckerberg number 1 on its list of the Top 100 "most influential people of the Information Age".

January 2011: Zuckerberg Appears on Saturday Night Live

In January 2011, Zuckerberg made a surprise guest appearance on Saturday Night Live, which was hosted by Jesse Eisenberg. It was the first time they had met.

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January 16, 2011: Golden Globe Award for Best Picture

On January 16, 2011, The Social Network won the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture. Producer Scott Rudin thanked Facebook and Zuckerberg for allowing them to use his life and work as a metaphor.

2011: The Facebook Effect Publication

In 2011, David Kirkpatrick, former technology editor at Fortune magazine and author of The Facebook Effect: The Inside Story of the Company That Is Connecting the World, stated that "the film is only 40% true" and that the "overall impression is false".

2011: Zuckerberg Receives Advice From Steve Jobs

In a 2011 interview with PBS shortly after the death of Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg said that Jobs had advised him on how to create a management team at Facebook that was "focused on building as high quality and good things as you are".