It’s the end of an era.
After 20 years, AOL Instant Messenger — the chat service commonly known as AIM — will shut down permanently. After being up since 1997 and effectively introducing the idea of online chat and texting to an entire generation, AOL is giving up the fight and pulling the plug.
“We know there are so many loyal fans who have used AIM for decades; and we loved working and building the first chat app of its kind since 1997,” AOL wrote on the AIM help page. “Our focus will always be on providing the kind of innovative experiences consumers want. We’re more excited than ever to focus on building the next generation of iconic brands and life-changing products.”
While it’s sad for those of us who grew up with AIM, it makes sense. Chat options from Facebook, Slack, and Gmail have effectively taken over the entire concept on computers, and texting is the main method of communication between friends. There just isn’t space anymore for our old buddy.
But who among us doesn’t have fond memories of AIM; that little jolt of excitement you got when your crush signed on, or that sound of a door closing when your friends signed off. We’ve probably all been asked out on AIM once or twice, or gotten in a friendship-ending argument.
Then there was all the away messages, the custom sounds and avatars, the little smileys that would animate when you said “lol!” And holy crap, remember when we invented “lol”?
It’s sad, but we all have to move on. AIM gave us a lot… but it’s time to say goodbye. So go on, little buddy! Go! Get out of here! You’re free now! *sniff* Come on! What are you waiting for! Go! Run and be free! Never come back, you hear me! *sniff* *sniff* I’ll always remember you, AIM! Goodbye!
