This document discusses the history and impact of social media on marketing. It traces the origins of social media back to the telegraph in 1844. While early digital networks in the 1960s-1980s allowed data sharing, the first true social media platform launched in 1997. Today, social media is integral to daily life and influences purchasing decisions. It has transformed marketing by allowing free and immediate promotion to billions of users. Though negative feedback is a risk, social media offers major benefits like brand recognition, customer service, and gathering audience data.