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The U.S. government builds ARPANET, the first network to connect computers in different places. It’s the start of what will become the internet.
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The first email is sent on ARPANET, marking the beginning of electronic messaging.
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ARPANET connects the U.S. with Europe, making it the first global network.
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A standard language for the internet (TCP/IP) is created, allowing different computers to communicate easily.
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Tim Berners-Lee invents the World Wide Web, a system for sharing information online, making it easier to access websites.
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The World Wide Web becomes public, and people start creating websites that anyone can visit.
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Amazon and eBay launch, showing how people can buy and sell things over the internet.
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Google is founded, quickly becoming the best tool for finding information online.
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Facebook is launched, allowing people to connect with friends and share updates, photos, and more.
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YouTube is created, making it easy for anyone to upload, watch, and share videos.
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The first iPhone is released, allowing people to access the internet on a mobile device.
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Instagram launches, letting people share photos and videos, quickly becoming very popular.
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Facebook hits 1 billion users, showing just how popular and global social media has become.
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Apps like WhatsApp, acquired by Facebook, and Snapchat grow in popularity, allowing people to message, share photos, and communicate instantly from anywhere.
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Netflix, which started as a DVD rental service, becomes the leading streaming platform, changing how people watch TV and movies.
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Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, and other voice assistants become popular, allowing people to control smart devices with voice commands.
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TikTok, a short-form video app, gains worldwide popularity, with users creating and sharing quick, creative videos.
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5G, a much faster mobile network, starts rolling out, supporting things like smart cities and connected devices.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, people around the world rely on the internet more than ever for work, school, and staying in touch.
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AI tools like ChatGPT become popular, allowing people to use AI for creative and everyday tasks.
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The internet continues to change, with AI and virtual reality making online experiences more personal and interactive.