HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Twitter Becomes X: 20 Years of Memes and Movements

New York Times Business •
×

The social media platform, initially known as Twitter, began its public journey on July 15, 2006, a few months after its initial soft launch. For nearly two decades, it served as a global stage for rapid-fire communication, becoming synonymous with memes, social movements, and public discourse.

Originally founded by Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams, Twitter quickly evolved from a simple microblogging service into a powerful tool for real-time news dissemination and citizen journalism. It fostered a unique online culture, characterized by brevity and the viral spread of ideas, often referred to as 'hot takes.'

In late 2022, the platform underwent a dramatic transformation following its acquisition by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. In 2023, the site was officially rebranded as X, signaling a new, albeit controversial, chapter. This rebranding reflects Musk's broader vision for an 'everything app,' moving beyond the core functionalities that defined Twitter for so long.