Max De Marzi gave an introduction to graph databases using Neo4j as an example. He discussed trends in big, connected data and how NoSQL databases like key-value stores, column families, and document databases address these trends. However, graph databases are optimized for interconnected data by modeling it as nodes and relationships. Neo4j is a graph database that uses a property graph data model and allows querying and traversal through its Cypher query language and Gremlin scripting language. It is well-suited for domains involving highly connected data like social networks.