• Faith: Spirituality
• Career: Businessman
• Birthday:  May 14, 1984

Mark Zuckerberg is the co-founder the social media platform Facebook and its parent company Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook, Inc.), of which he is chairman, chief executive officer and controlling shareholder.

Mark Zuckerberg was born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, to Edward Zuckerberg, a dentist, and Karen Kempner, a psychiatrist. Raised in Dobbs Ferry, a suburban village in Westchester County, Zuckerberg displayed an early aptitude for technology. His parents encouraged his interest, providing him with access to computers at a young age. By the time he was in middle school, Zuckerberg had already developed his first computer program, a messaging system for his father’s dental office called "ZuckNet."

Zuckerberg’s passion for technology grew during his time at Phillips Exeter Academy, an elite private school where he excelled in academics and was known for his programming skills. It was here that he developed Synapse, a music software program that attracted attention from major tech companies like Microsoft. Despite offers to purchase Synapse, Zuckerberg turned them down, a decision that foreshadowed his future as an entrepreneur who would prioritize innovation over financial gain.

Zuckerberg’s journey to creating Facebook began when he entered Harvard University in 2002, intending to study psychology and computer science. While at Harvard, he launched a number of social networking tools, including "CourseMatch," which allowed students to see which classes their peers were taking, and "Facemash," a controversial website that allowed users to rate the attractiveness of students based on their photos. Facemash was shut down by Harvard, but it showed Zuckerberg’s burgeoning interest in creating digital platforms for social interaction.

What began as a college experiment evolved into a global phenomenon. By 2005, Facebook opened up to the public, and its user base rapidly expanded beyond students. Over the years, Zuckerberg led the company through major milestones, such as the development of Facebook’s News Feed, the introduction of the "Like" button, and the acquisition of Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus VR.

Under Zuckerberg’s leadership, Facebook became one of the most influential social media platforms, amassing over 3 billion users worldwide by 2021. The company went public in 2012, making Zuckerberg one of the youngest self-made billionaires in history.

However, his career has not been without challenges. Facebook has faced multiple controversies, including concerns over user privacy, data breaches, and its role in spreading misinformation. Zuckerberg has appeared before Congress on several occasions to address these issues, often emphasizing Facebook’s commitment to improving security and transparency. Despite the criticism, Zuckerberg’s vision of connecting the world remains central to Facebook’s mission. p>In February 2004, Zuckerberg, alongside friends Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, launched "The Facebook," initially a social network exclusive to Harvard students. Its immediate success spread beyond the Harvard community, and soon students from other Ivy League schools and universities across the country were signing up. Recognizing its potential, Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard in his sophomore year to focus on expanding Facebook full-time.

In 2012, Zuckerberg married Priscilla Chan, whom he met while they were both students at Harvard. Chan, a pediatrician and philanthropist, has played a significant role in Zuckerberg’s life, influencing his approach to philanthropy and family. Together, they have two daughters: Maxima (born in 2015) and August (born in 2017).

Zuckerberg has often shared glimpses of his family life on social media, portraying himself as a hands-on father. He and Chan made headlines when they announced the birth of their first daughter, Max, along with their decision to donate 99% of their Facebook shares—worth billions of dollars—to charitable causes through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. The initiative focuses on areas such as education, healthcare, and scientific research, reflecting the couple’s commitment to making the world a better place for future generations.

Zuckerberg’s public persona as a family man is often intertwined with his work as a philanthropist, and he credits his children with shaping his perspective on life and the future. His decision to step away from some of the day-to-day operations at Facebook in 2020 was partly motivated by his desire to spend more time with his family.

Mark Zuckerberg's Religious Beliefs

While Zuckerberg’s success in technology is well-documented, his views on religion have also garnered attention in recent years. Raised in a Jewish household, Zuckerberg had a bar mitzvah at age 13, but in his early adulthood, he identified as an atheist. For many years, Zuckerberg distanced himself from religion, focusing instead on his work and his personal beliefs.

However, his perspective on faith shifted in 2016, when Zuckerberg publicly stated that he was no longer an atheist and that religion was “very important.” In a Facebook post responding to a question about his faith, Zuckerberg wrote, "I was raised Jewish and then I went through a period where I questioned things, but now I believe religion is very important."

This change in his views on religion came at a time when Zuckerberg was reflecting more on his family and the world his daughters would inherit. He began to express more openness toward the spiritual aspects of life, acknowledging the role of faith in bringing communities together. In another Facebook post during Christmas in 2016, Zuckerberg wished his followers a "Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah," signaling his renewed appreciation for religious traditions.