The Internet; we take it for granted now, but once upon a time - not so long ago - it was a brand new thing, and nobody really knew what you were meant to do with it. TV shows, magazines, and the producers of stock images, did their best to explain it back in the 90s, in a variety of bizarre ways. Shockingly, however, time would prove many of their predictions to be spot-on.
Here are 14 images from the 90s which succeeded in predicting what the Internet would become.
Here are 14 images from the 90s which succeeded in predicting what the Internet would become.
THE INTERNET IS FOR COOL KIDS
One of the most iconic images of early internet, Scholastic's guide to the Internet managed to nail exactly what online life is like; a bunch of immature children trampling all over a keyboard while thinking they're far cooler than they actually are.
THE INTERNET IS LIKE SURFING THROUGH A LOAD OF RANDOM FLOATING STUFF WHILE WEARING A TELEVISION ON YOUR HEAD
Here, Time magazine heralds the advent of online shopping, foreshadowing the sales apocalypse that would - eventually - strike at the heart of traditional retailers. And what is the internet if not akin to balancing precariously upon a plank of wood while a tiny sports car collides with your crotch?
THE INTERNET IS LIKE DRIVING A REALLY FAST CAR
Yeah, the Internet has never really been like this... unless you extend the metaphor around having to swerve constantly to avoid idiots in the road.
THE INTERNET IS THE CB RADIO OF THE 90s!
At first glance, this is real funny. Though when you think about it, it's not that far off, given that people rarely use their real names online, and - like lorry drivers - are all sex pests.
THE INTERNET IS A SUPERHIGHWAY AND WILL FEATURE COWBOYS PROMINENTLY
Nobody ever says "information superhighway" anymore. Like "The Web" it has fallen out of popular parlance. Still, the cowboys remain, except now - instead of it being cowboys taking over Native American lands - it's Nazis taking over the lands that the cowboys once conquered.
THE INTERNET IS LIKE CLONING YOURSELF AND CARRYING WEBSITES AROUND AS IF THEY'RE BURIAL CASKETS
What's most interesting about this image, is that the man (well, four men) look like that American Psycho bloke. Which, again if you think about it, makes this image more accurate than it appears at first glance.
THE INTERNET OFFERS NO ESCAPE FROM ED SHEERAN AND HIS DOPPLEGANGERS
That's right: what this seems to be saying is that there is no escape from Ed Sheeran. He's trending, everyone! But at least he remembered to put on his "spats".
THE INTERNET IS LIKE THIS WHATEVER THIS IS
I've tried, and I can't find the metaphor here. It's just a load of random stuff. HOW VERY INTERNET!!!
THE INTERNET IS LIKE TYPING RANDOM NUMBERS AND LETTERS INTO AN OLD-FASHIONED TYPEWRITER
All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy. All internet and no work makes Jack a dull boy.
THE INTERNET IS LIKE BREAKFAST
What's for breakfast on the Internet? Waffle(s).
THE INTERNET IS LIKE USING THE WORLD AS A BOWLING BALL TO KNOCK DOWN PINS MADE OUT OF MONEY
If the world is round, then how come its shadow is flat? Think about that next time you mock flat earth conspiracy theory websites.
THE INTERNET IS LIKE A LITTLE MAN WHO YOU CAN THROW MONEY DARTS AT
What's most surprising about this image is that the little website man appears to be wearing a Make America Great Again hat. Who's throwing those darts? Vladamir Putin.
THE INTERNET IS THE WORLD AND WEBSITES ARE LIKE HOT AIR BALLOONS
There's just lot of hot air online. Do you see?
THE INTERNET IS LIKE LISTENING TO YOURSELF
This seems to be suggesting that you only follow people online who already share the opinions you hold... or that you can use the Internet to listen in to conversations a miniature version of yourself is having with other people. Either way, you can probably figure this one out for yourself.
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