The Social Network (2010) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Mark's Breakup with Erica

In October 2003, at Harvard University, Mark Zuckerberg experiences a painful breakup with his girlfriend Erica Albright during a disastrous date at a local bar. This painful event triggers Mark's ego and paves the way for his future ventures in the tech world.

When

October 2003

Where

Harvard University

Creation of FaceMash.com

Motivated by his breakup, Mark drunkenly hacks into the databases of various residence halls to create FaceMash.com, a website where students can rate female classmates based on their attractiveness. This reckless act results in a surge of traffic that ultimately overwhelms Harvard’s computer network.

When

October 2003

Where

Harvard University

Academic Consequences

After the launch of FaceMash.com, Mark faces six months of academic probation due to the traffic overload caused by his site. Despite this punishment, he gains notoriety among the students, particularly the female ones who despise his website for objectifying them.

Where

Harvard University

Winklevoss Twins' Proposal

The Winklevoss twins, Cameron and Tyler, approach Mark with a proposal to develop their social networking project called Harvard Connection. They hire Mark to work on it, believing his technical skills will help bring their vision to life.

Where

Harvard University

Inception of Thefacebook

Mark shares his vision of an exclusive social networking site, Thefacebook, with his friend Eduardo Saverin. Eduardo, intrigued by the concept, decides to invest $1,000 to help get the project started and launch it within the Harvard community.

Where

Harvard University

Rapid Growth of Thefacebook

Upon launching Thefacebook, the site rapidly gains popularity among students, especially after Eduardo promotes it within his social circle at the Phoenix S-K final club. The platform creates a buzz, attracting significant attention and engagement from Harvard students.

Where

Harvard University

Tensions with Winklevoss Twins

As Thefacebook gains traction, the Winklevoss twins grow concerned that Mark has stolen their idea. They consider legal action for intellectual property theft, leading to a conflict between the creators of two social networking platforms.

Where

Harvard University

Lecture by Bill Gates

During a lecture given by Bill Gates, new characters enter the scene, including Christy Lee and her friend Alice. Their chemistry with Mark and Eduardo leads to a spontaneous night out, showcasing the growing social aspect of their lives amidst their chaotic entrepreneurial journey.

Where

Harvard University

Expansion Beyond Harvard

Mark decides to expand Thefacebook to other universities after a chance encounter with Erica. His thought process shifts as he becomes increasingly driven to make the platform accessible to a larger audience, pushing beyond the initial scope.

Where

Harvard University

A Meeting with Sean Parker

With the success of Thefacebook, Mark and Eduardo meet Sean Parker, the controversial co-founder of Napster. Although Eduardo is initially skeptical, Parker's vision for simplification and growth poses new challenges and insights for the future of Facebook.

Where

New York

Move to Palo Alto

Mark decides to move the company's operations to Palo Alto, California, aligning with Sean Parker's guidance. Eduardo, however, remains in New York seeking advertising, leading to a split that creates tension between the co-founders.

When

Summer 2004

Where

Palo Alto, California

Conflict Between Mark and Eduardo

As Eduardo witnesses Parker's rising influence over key decisions, anger mounts and he freezes the company’s bank account in a moment of frustration. This confrontation exposes the widening rift in their partnership driven by conflicting interests and ambitions.

Where

L.A.

Legal Battle with Winklevoss Twins

The Winklevoss twins initiate legal proceedings against Mark, claiming he stole their idea for Facebook. This lawsuit further complicates Mark's journey, adding legal pressures while he navigates the growing complexities of his company's success.

Escalation of Events

Amid rising tensions, Sean Parker and several interns are arrested for drug possession during a party celebrating Facebook hitting one million users. It is heavily insinuated that Mark orchestrated this incident to rid himself of Parker and restore control over Facebook.

Where

California

Mark’s Reflection and Settlement

In the film's conclusion, Mark is informed of a settlement with Eduardo following a difficult legal battle. As he sends a friend request to Erica, unanswered, he reflects on his journey that has transformed him into a wealthy and influential figure, while grappling with the personal cost of his success.