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The U.S. Department of Defense launches ARPANET, the first network to use packet switching, laying the foundation for the modern internet. -
Ray Tomlinson sends the first-ever email, using the "@" symbol to separate the user from the machine name. -
The adoption of the TCP/IP protocol makes it possible for different networks to connect, officially marking the birth of the internet. -
Berners-Lee outlines the concept of the World Wide Web while working at CERN, introducing hyperlinks and a universal way to access information. -
The first-ever website (info.cern.ch) is published, explaining how the World Wide Web works. -
The Mosaic web browser launches, making the internet more accessible with a graphical interface instead of just text-based commands. -
Yahoo! is created as an internet directory, while Amazon begins as an online bookstore, both setting the stage for the digital economy. -
Larry Page and Sergey Brin create Google, revolutionizing internet searches with a better algorithm focused on relevance and ranking. -
Wikipedia becomes the first major open-source online encyclopedia, allowing users worldwide to contribute and edit articles. -
MySpace emerges as the first major social networking platform, while LinkedIn launches as a professional networking site. -
Originally for Harvard students, Facebook quickly expands to become a global social media platform. -
YouTube is introduced as a video-sharing platform, revolutionizing digital entertainment and online content creation. -
Twitter introduces short-form communication through "tweets," influencing news, activism, and social interactions. -
Apple’s iPhone popularizes mobile internet access, making browsing, apps, and social media more accessible on the go. -
Instagram brings photo-sharing to social media, while Pinterest becomes a platform for inspiration and discovery. -
Google launches its own social network, but it fails to gain traction and is later discontinued in 2019. -
Snowden’s revelations expose mass government surveillance, sparking debates on privacy, security, and internet freedom. -
The short-video platform TikTok grows rapidly, reshaping digital entertainment and viral trends. -
“metaverse,” signaling a future focus on virtual and augmented reality. -
AI tools like ChatGPT gain widespread use, changing how people interact with technology, search for information, and create content.