For internet users at the turn of the century, a distinct sound of a door opening could evoke immediate nostalgia. This sound often signaled logging onto AOL Instant Messenger to connect with friends or a romantic interest. AIM also influenced business communication. Many recall their old screen names and the expressive song lyrics used in away messages.
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) was once the internet’s leading chat application, despite its precarious existence. Developed by a somewhat independent team within AOL, it faced opposition from executives who preferred to maintain AOL’s closed ecosystem. However, AIM’s immediate popularity made it indispensable. While AOL struggled to monetize or strategically integrate its highly influential messaging service, AIM nevertheless achieved iconic status online.
An episode of Version History explores AIM’s ascent, its significance for various internet user generations, and its eventual decline in the face of social networks, texting, and other messaging applications. The platform’s creation within AOL is documented, its temporary vital role in internet life is analyzed, and speculation arises about its potential longevity.
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For those interested in learning more about AIM or revisiting a simpler era of the internet, the following resources are available:
- From Wired: America, Online!
- From The New York Times: Chat Becomes Exclusive: ‘Instant Messaging’ Narrows Audiences
- The buddy list patent
- From The New Yorker: Coming of Age at the Dawn of the Social Internet
- From N+1: Chat Wars
- From Mashable: The Rise and Fall of AIM, the Breakthrough AOL Never Wanted
- From The Atlantic: The Story Behind AOL’s Iconic Yellow Running Man
- From The New York Times: Instant Messages: the New Pace of Business
- AIM will shut down after 20 years
- So long, AIM, we’ll miss you
