Mark Zuckerberg (People in the News)

This contemporary biography series profiles the lives of some of today’s most prominent newsmakers; whether covering contributions and achievements or notorious deeds, books in this series examine why these well-known people garner public attention.; This biography provides a balanced look at the life and career of Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg, currently the wealthiest person on the planet under the age of thirty, says that never set out to run a company and become immensely wealthy. He maintains that he simply loves writing computer code and making technological tools that help people learn, share, and connect more with each other. However, not everyone agrees that Zuckerberg simply wants to build bridges between people. Former colleagues accused him of stealing the idea for Facebook from their social network. Privacy advocates questioned Zuckerberg’s motives when Facebook began tracking users’ web-surfing habits, sharing that information with advertisers. Moreover, a popular 2010 movie depicting the founding of Facebook painted Zuckerberg as an envious nerd driven by the need to prove himself to the cool crowd. Despite the media buzz and extraordinary wealth, Zuckerberg lives a fairly modest life. In many ways Zuckerberg himself is a study in contrasts: a billionaire who lives frugally, a dropout who donates to educational causes, a hacker aiming to set new rules, and a private person who wants to make the world a more open place.; Offering insight into the lives of people who have made an impact in the modern era, People in the News volumes are sure to be of interest to students researching current topics and popular culture. Through quotations from the individual profiled as well as from friends, supporters, and critics, readers learn how these men and women view themselves as well as how other regard them. Each book in this series includes sidebars, photographs, annotated bibliographies, timelines, and comprehensive indexes. Read more