Lunchbreak Reads: The Internet of Old
Introduction: A Digital Walk Down Memory Lane
Do you remember a time when “Googling” wasn’t a thing, and the internet was a vast, mysterious place full of unfamiliar names? Back in the early days of the internet, there were platforms and websites that reigned supreme, shaping our first online experiences. Some of them were household names, while others have slipped through the cracks of memory.
In this Lunchbreak Read, we’re exploring some of the biggest names of the old internet that have faded away, whether they were search engines, social networks, or pioneering online communities. This is your chance to relive the internet’s golden age and maybe learn a few mind-blowing facts along the way!
1. Altavista (1995 – 2013)
- Peak Popularity: Late 1990s, before the age of Google
- Interesting Fact: Altavista was a big deal. Imagine, in the early days of the internet, a search engine that didn’t rely on the dreaded “directory” system. Instead, Altavista indexed a massive number of web pages, bringing them to your fingertips. For a while, it was the search engine, with millions using it daily.
- Why It Faded: Altavista eventually struggled to keep up with Google’s algorithmic innovations. By the early 2000s, it had been dethroned, and in 2013, Yahoo officially shut it down.
2. MySpace (2003 – Mid 2010s)
- Peak Popularity: Mid-2000s, over 100 million monthly active users in 2008
- Interesting Fact: MySpace wasn’t just a social network; it was a phenomenon. With its focus on music and customizable profiles (who remembers adding glittery backgrounds?), MySpace helped launch the careers of artists like Arctic Monkeys and Lily Allen. It also pioneered the “Top Friends” feature, sparking minor friendship dramas across the globe!
- Why It Faded: Facebook’s cleaner interface and user experience appealed to a wider audience, and MySpace’s decline was inevitable. Despite multiple relaunch attempts, it never regained its original glory.
3. CompuServe (1969 – Early 2000s)
- Peak Popularity: 1980s, one of the earliest online services
- Interesting Fact: Did you know that CompuServe was an internet pioneer? Before we had ISPs as we know them, CompuServe provided online forums, email, and even news to its users. It’s the grandparent of every social network and email service we have today.
- Why It Faded: As the internet became mainstream, CompuServe struggled to evolve. AOL and other ISPs provided similar services at cheaper rates, leading CompuServe into obsolescence by the early 2000s.
4. Bebo (2005 – 2013, with brief relaunches)
- Peak Popularity: 2006-2008, especially in the UK and Ireland
- Interesting Fact: Bebo was the social network in the UK for a while. It introduced “Top 16 Friends” (remember the drama?) and was the place to share updates, quizzes, and badges. For many, Bebo was where they took their first steps into the world of social media.
- Why It Faded: As Facebook continued its global expansion, Bebo couldn’t compete with its broader, more versatile platform. Several attempts to revive Bebo have come and gone, but it remains a nostalgic memory for many.
5. Ask Jeeves (1996 – Early 2010s)
- Peak Popularity: Late 90s, when it felt like having a digital butler
- Interesting Fact: Ask Jeeves was beloved for its Q&A format, allowing users to type in questions instead of just keywords. This made it feel a bit more human. And let’s not forget the butler mascot, who added a touch of personality to the search process!
- Why It Faded: With Google’s rise and improved search algorithms, Ask Jeeves couldn’t keep up. By the early 2010s, the site had been rebranded as Ask.com, and the butler had retired.
6. Friendster (2002 – Mid 2000s)
- Peak Popularity: Pre-Facebook, Friendster was a trailblazer in the social networking space.
- Interesting Fact: Friendster was one of the first platforms to introduce the concept of “friends” and “profiles.” It was so popular that it actually inspired the creation of LinkedIn and MySpace. But technical issues plagued the site as it grew, leading to a slow and painful demise.
- Why It Faded: Technical challenges and competition from MySpace and Facebook eventually led Friendster to pivot to an online gaming site before finally shutting down.
Other Notable Mentions:
- Yahoo! Chat – A pioneer in online messaging, Yahoo! Chat was a favourite hangout for teens in the early 2000s.
- Geocities – The original DIY website builder, Geocities hosted millions of personalised web pages in the late 90s.
- Napster – The music-sharing service that revolutionised how we consume music, before being shut down by the music industry.
Why Do Websites Fade Away?
The internet is a fast-paced world, and technology is constantly evolving. Websites that were once giants fell because they couldn’t adapt to changing user demands, didn’t innovate quickly enough, or simply faced insurmountable competition. Today, some of the biggest platforms could face the same fate if they don’t keep up with the times.
Wrap-Up: Reflecting on the Internet’s Evolution
It’s fascinating to think about how far the internet has come in such a short time. Sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok dominate today, but it’s hard to know what the future holds. Will these giants still be around in another 10 or 20 years? Who knows — but one thing’s for sure, the internet will continue to evolve.
As you take a break and remember these old internet giants, maybe consider which platforms you love now, and how you’d feel if they were to disappear tomorrow. After all, the only constant in the tech world is change.