If you were an internet user in the early 2000s, the name Tom Anderson probably rings a bell. Better known as “Myspace Tom,” he was the co-founder of Myspace, the social networking platform that took the world by storm. Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of Tom Anderson, the man who shaped early social media and then seemingly disappeared.
The Rise of a Social Media Pioneer
Tom Anderson, born on November 8, 1970, co-founded Myspace in 2003 alongside Chris DeWolfe. The platform quickly became a cultural phenomenon, especially among musicians and pop culture enthusiasts. It was the first time “followers” became a meaningful metric online, giving artists a direct way to connect with fans and build communities. Myspace wasn’t just a website—it was a revolution in digital interaction, paving the way for modern social media platforms. At its peak, it was the most visited site in the U.S., a one-stop hub for socializing, sharing photos, and streaming music.
One of Myspace’s most iconic features? Tom Anderson himself. If you ever had a Myspace account, you’ll remember that Tom was automatically your first friend. His now-famous profile picture—a grainy, casual snapshot of him smiling in a white shirt—became a symbol of the platform’s early days. That small detail made Tom a household name, earning him nicknames like “Myspace Tom” and “My friend, Tom.”
By 2005, just two years after its launch, Myspace caught the attention of News Corp, which acquired the platform (along with its parent company, Intermix) for a staggering $580 million. At the age of 35, Tom Anderson had made it big. But the corporate world wasn’t exactly his happy place. After the acquisition, he stayed on for a few years, serving as president and later a strategic adviser. However, he grew frustrated with endless meetings, budget reviews, and corporate indecision—elements that clashed with his creative, free-spirited nature. In 2009, Tom decided to walk away from Myspace for good.
The Vanishing Act
What happened to Tom Anderson after leaving Myspace? That’s where the mystery begins. After retiring in 2009, Tom largely disappeared from the public eye, leaving fans and tech enthusiasts wondering about his next move.
In 2011, Tom attended the Burning Man Festival, an event that would change the trajectory of his post-Myspace life. There, he discovered a passion for photography, specifically National Geographic-style landscape photography. Inspired by the experience, he began traveling the world, capturing breathtaking scenes from various locations. His photography wasn’t about commercial success—he explicitly avoided commissions or sales, saying it would feel too much like “work.” Instead, he shared his work on Instagram at @MySpaceTom, posting his art purely for the love of it. His last Instagram post was in 2018, and since then, he’s been mostly silent.
Tom did resurface briefly for an interview with Tai Lopez around 2019 and wrote a single post on Meta’s Threads app. But beyond these fleeting moments, Tom Anderson has remained a ghost in the digital world he helped create.
Lessons from Myspace Tom
Here are a few takeaways from Tom Anderson’s unconventional journey that resonate:
- Creativity for Its Own Sake is Fulfilling: Tom’s pivot to photography wasn’t about fame or money—it was about doing something he loved. His story reminds us that creative work can be deeply rewarding when it’s done for passion, not profit.
- Time is More Valuable Than Money: After securing financial freedom, Tom prioritized experiences over material possessions, a powerful reminder to value our time above all else.
- Retirement Isn’t About Quitting Work: For Tom, retirement meant quitting the kind of work he had to do for money, so he could focus on the work he wanted to do—like photography. It’s a redefinition of retirement that feels incredibly liberating.
- Avoid Corporate Traps: Tom walked away from Myspace because corporate life stifled his creativity. Endless meetings and indecision were dealbreakers for him, a lesson for anyone feeling trapped in a soul-sucking job.
- Success is About Integrity: Unlike some tech moguls, Tom didn’t use Myspace to exploit users or inflate his ego. He built something that was a net positive for society, proving that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of ethics.
Where Is Tom Anderson Now?
As of 2025, Tom Anderson’s whereabouts remain a mystery. He was recently spotted at Costa Mesa Country Club in Southern California, living a low-key life that many of us can only dream of. His last known public engagements were sparse—an Instagram post in 2018, an interview in 2019, and a brief Threads post. Whether he’s still pursuing photography or exploring new passions, one thing is clear: Tom values his privacy and freedom above all else.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Myspace Tom
Tom Anderson’s story is a refreshing departure from the typical tech mogul narrative. He didn’t chase endless growth, fame, or power. Instead, he built something groundbreaking, cashed out, and then disappeared to live life on his own terms. For those of us who grew up customizing our Myspace profiles and blasting music from our pages, Tom Anderson will always hold a special place in internet history. His journey reminds us that success isn’t just about money or recognition—it’s about creating something meaningful, then having the courage to walk away and live authentically.
What do you think about Tom Anderson’s story? Have you ever considered disappearing to pursue your passions? Let me know in the comments below!