Say “goodbye” (in the AOL voice, if possible) to Aol Instant Messenger.
Back in October, Oath (the combined entity of Yahoo and Aol) announced that it would shutter AIM on December 15. Yes, today is the day.
All good things come to an end. On Dec 15, we'll bid farewell to AIM. Thank you to all our users! #AIMemories https://t.co/b6cjR2tSuU pic.twitter.com/V09Fl7EPMx
— AIM (@aim) October 6, 2017
While there is no shortage of means to communicate online, AIM holds a special place in many of our hearts.
For some of us, it was the first place we talked to our crush. It was our internet playground, where we grew accustomed to online acronyms and first learned about the very healthy habit of internet stalking.
Save now through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI—and get 50% off a second. Hear from leaders at OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more during a full day of expert insights, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking. These low-rate deals disappear when the doors open on June 5.
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last.
AIM is the first place we ever wrote a web bio, likely in Comic Sans, with outrageous text and background colors.
AIM never stood a chance at keeping up with the pace of innovation on the web, which is why its sun has set, but that doesn’t change what it meant to us.
So today, pour one out for teenage you typing furiously on the computer in your parents’ office. LOL. AFK. BRB. ROFL.
Creaky door closing sound effect
Disclosure: Oath owns TechCrunch.
