Article
MySpace
Overview
MySpace (stylised Myspace) was an early social networking site launched in 2003 that became globally popular in the mid‑2000s. It foregrounded highly customisable user profiles, music discovery and social graphs built from friending and shared interests.
Key Points
- Launch & peak: founded 2003; by 2005–2009 it was among the world's largest social networks, particularly important for musicians and youth culture.
- Music & culture: MySpace Music helped new artists find audiences; many early careers (bands and solo artists) used MySpace as a discovery channel.
- Design: profile customisation (HTML/CSS, background images, playlists) created a recognisable aesthetic and affordances for self‑presentation.
- Decline & legacy: competition from Facebook and platform management issues led to decline after 2008; MySpace shaped early social networking norms and music discovery models.
Writing Tips
- Use MySpace profile aesthetics (top friends list, customised background, embedded music player) to evoke 2005–2008 scenes.