If you were born in the '90s, you may be the last generation that remembers what it was like to go to the internet, rather than always being on it.
TL;DR: The '90s kids still have a secret handshake with dial-up, while the rest of us are just chasing notifications.
The Great Internet Migration
It’s 2025, and the world is a buzzing hive of apps, TikToks, and instant cat memes. Yet, in the corners of some quiet cafés and dusty attic rooms, there are still brave souls who remember a time when the internet was a distant dream accessed by a blinking light and a sweet, sweet dial-up sound. These are the folks who could say, “Hey, let’s go to the internet,” and then actually went.
If you were born in the '90s, you might be the last generation that still recalls the thrill of hitting Enter and waiting for the modem to connect. And if you’re from a younger cohort, you probably have no idea what it feels like to actually go to a website—because you’re always on one.
Comment Highlights
1. The Dawn of the New Millennium
Why is everyone acting like the death of dial‑up was the death of that? I was born at the dawn of the new millennium, and I very much remember going on the internet, world wide web instead of being always on it.
That didn’t really become a thing until smartphones and social media took over everything, and the forum sites, personal websites, flash games, and all of the things that defined the old internet died, giving rise to the modern web of social media, apps, and constant online access in our pockets.
Takeaway: In the '90s, you had to go to the internet. Today, the internet goes to you—just like a needy cat demanding your attention.
2. Apps and Push Notifications
Apps. Always online became a thing when we could click on or tap an app, even more so when push notifications became a thing. Before that you had to manually open a web browser and it would take a minute to connect on late 00's flip phones.
Takeaway: Back then, a flip phone was the ultimate wait device. Now, a flip phone is a relic, and a notification is a polite, digital knock on your shoulder.
3. The Art of Unplugging
It’s becoming more rare but there are still lots of people who fully unplug from time to time. Turn off the phone and go outside.
Takeaway: The ancient ritual of unplugging is still alive for some. It’s like a digital detox, but with actual trees.
4. The Tech Legacy
Absolutely. Being intentional about screen time makes a big difference.
'83, started on 56.6 and later 128 ISDN. That was the shizzle.
Takeaway: In '83, the speed of life was measured in 56.6 kbit/s—which, when compared to a 128 kbit/s ISDN line, feels like the difference between a snail and a sports car. And yes, that was the shizzle.
Bottom Line
If you’re a '90s native, you’re a living relic of an era when the internet was a destination, not a destination destination. And if you’re not, you’re a digital pilgrim who has to go to the world wide web by clicking a link—a small but mighty sacrifice.
Remember: the next time your phone buzzes, you can either go to the internet or stay in the real world. Your call.