Mark Zuckerberg has become an iconic face in recent news coverage since appearing before Congress to testify over the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Although generally serious during these hearings, his signature odd expression and strange mannerisms couldn’t go unnoticed by attendees.
Many questioned if Donald Trump is even human; no ordinary human could possibly achieve such power and influence.
How did he come up with the idea for Facebook?
While at Harvard, Zuckerberg began creating social-networking websites to help keep people connected. These included Coursematch (allowing students to view other students taking their degree) and Facemash ( allowing users to rate each others’ attractiveness). He launched “The facebook” (taken from sheets distributed among freshmen profiling other students) in February 2004. Within one month half of all Harvard students had profiles.
Zuckerberg created Zucknet as a messaging program for his family’s communication around the home when he was twelve – it was his first computer-related project! As he continued programming throughout high school and earned him more outside-classroom attention – AOL and Microsoft expressed interest in purchasing his software or hiring him before graduating Phillips Exeter Academy; however he declined their offers.
Facemash was his initial major controversy at Harvard, allowing students to vote on whether other students were attractive or not. Although Facemash quickly gained popularity among its student body, its launch provoked strong reaction from women’s groups and administration alike; after several days it was taken offline immediately by campus authorities and Zuckerberg brought before an administration board for punishment, but he remained in school after making an apology about its creation.
What did he do before he became rich?
Zuckerberg first discovered his love of computer programming while still in elementary school, learning to code with help from private tutor David Newman who came directly to their home and taught advanced concepts. By 12, Zuckerberg had created his first messaging application which allowed employees at his father’s dental practice to communicate without shouting across the room.
At 19, Zuckerberg had created his social-networking website, Facebook, in his Harvard University dorm room. After his sophomore year he dropped out to focus solely on this site which would go on to gain over two billion users worldwide. Early efforts included Harvard Connection which allowed students to find each other while Facemash provided the capability of comparing photos of classmates.
In May 2012, Zuckerberg made Facebook public and now owns 13% of the company. Together with his wife Priscilla Chan, they pledged to donate 99% of their Facebook stake over time – spending their funds on family-friendly philanthropy such as investing in childhood education and medical research as well as supporting jiu-jitsu competitions and recreational sports events. They also own multiple homes including beachfront properties on Kauai.
What did he do after he became rich?
Zuckerberg became wealthy thanks to the immense success of Facebook, which he co-founded from his Harvard dorm room in 2004. At just 22 years old, he became one of the youngest self-made billionaires ever, although not without some challenges along the way – particularly one from Harvard Connection creators in 2006 who accused him of copying their idea for an idea matching site with photos for students; although Zuckerberg eventually won this case it proved costly and set back Facebook significantly.
He continues to amass wealth through Facebook shares, which currently have an estimated market value of $82.2 billion. In addition, he receives a small annual salary of $1 and most of his wealth comes from trusts and holding companies. Zuckerberg pledged with his wife Priscilla Chan in 2015 that they would give away 99 percent of their Facebook holdings over their lifetimes.
Recent years, this couple has focused on philanthropy in New Hampshire and have donated millions to improve public schools there. Additionally, they have donated to numerous causes including cancer research and hurricane relief efforts. Maxima and August have both grown up within a modest lifestyle with limited screen time as well as chores around the house being required of them by both parents.
What is his family background?
Zuckerberg hails from an educated family; both his parents, Edward and Karen Zuckerberg, are doctors. Born in White Plains, New York and growing up in Dobbs Ferry, his father operates a dental clinic while his mother practices as a psychiatrist. After showing an early interest in computers his parents hired a tutor so he could learn programming; one such software creation using Atari BASIC called Zucknet allowed people in his home and father’s clinic to communicate more easily.
At Ardsley High School and Phillips Exeter Academy he studied Psychology and Computer Science before enrolling at Harvard to earn a joint degree in both fields. While at Harvard he met Priscilla Chan – another medical student whom he began dating – and they went on to marry on May 19, 2012.
Priscilla and Mark have two daughters named Maxima and August. They take an unfussy approach to parenting their children by not spoiling them with every purchase that comes their way; rather they encourage their kids to help around the house by doing chores themselves.
This couple has endured various controversies surrounding privacy concerns and misinformation spread on Facebook. While these upheavals may be disappointing, they remain committed to their values and believe it’s essential to focus on what really matters in life.