5 Ways Social Media in the 80s was Different Than Today

5 Ways Social Media in the 80s was Different Than Today

Social media has become an integral part of our lives today. We use it for everything from staying in touch with loved ones to promoting our businesses. However, social media in the 80s was vastly different from what we have today. In this article, we will examine five ways in which social media has evolved since then.

1. It Was All About Bulletin Board Systems (BBS)

In the 80s, the internet as we know it today didn’t exist. Instead, people accessed early forms of online communications known as Bulletin Board Systems (BBS). These were text-based communities where users could engage in discussions, share content, and even play games. However, these systems were often slow, difficult to use, and required a separate phone line since they used dial-up modems.

2. There Was No Visual Content

One of the biggest differences between social media in the 80s and today is the lack of visual content. Today, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are based entirely on visual content. However, BBS systems in the 80s were text-based, with no photos, videos, or even emojis.

3. No Global Reach

Another significant difference between social media in the 80s and today is the limited reach of BBS systems. Today, you can connect with people from around the world with just a few clicks. However, BBS systems were local, and users could only connect with others in their area.

4. No Privacy Concerns

Privacy has become a significant concern for people using social media today. Large companies collect data on our every move, and hackers can use our personal information for nefarious purposes. In the 80s, this was not an issue since BBS systems were private and only accessible to those with login credentials.

5. No Social Media Influencers

Influencers are a prominent part of social media today, but in the 80s, there were no such counterparts. The lack of visual content and global reach made it impossible for people to become social media influencers.

In conclusion, social media has come a long way since BBS systems in the 80s. Today, we have access to global networks of visual content and influencers, but we also have concerns about privacy and information sharing. Despite these differences, social media in the 80s laid the foundation for the online communities we have today and is an essential part of the history of the internet.

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