A platform is a raised, flat surface people can stand on, or a system or base that supports activities, such as a software platform or political program.
From Middle French 'plate-forme' meaning 'flat shape, level ground', from 'plat' (flat) and 'forme' (form). It moved from describing physical structures to abstract bases for ideas and technology.
Social media 'platforms' are just digital stages where anyone can step up and speak to a crowd. The metaphor is so strong that we now talk about 'building a platform' whether we mean a railway station, a computer system, or a career.
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