If there’s one theme in particular that seems to be running rampant throughout this AskReddit-inspired piece about throwback websites that Gen Z missed out on, it’s that the internet definitely used to have a whole lot more egoless, occasionally non-monetarily motivated content provided to its users.
Whether it was the days that flew by being filled up with whatever new and free game you could sink your mind’s teeth into via AddictingGames.com, or something as simple as fostering new friendships with folks on MSN Messenger, the times have certainly shifted toward uncharted waters. Thanks, TikTok.
And now, let the nostalgia take you down memory lane.
Money, Money, Money.
This is definitely an interesting take on how forums could’ve potentially hosted more productive conversations than what you otherwise might come across in a thread that’s bigger simply for the sake of generating more money.
It Used To Be A Wild West Out There.
Truly, how many poor computers were completely fried as a result of impulsive and entirely ill-conceived downloads by people that thought they were prudently (albeit criminally) downloading something like antivirus software? I would go so far as to guess quite a few.
Related: Watch Out for These Scams Targeting Seniors
This Rings Painfully True.
In all unfortunate fairness, the cost of living is steadily on its rise out there. Naturally, folks might be that much more motivated to try to find ways to hack the “game” and stack the cash.
“Free” Seems To Be Quite The Rarity Nowadays.
Free websites? You mean websites that could actually be created and published for free? That’s crazy talk, surely.
Related: 10 Free Online Resources You Shouldn’t Miss Out On
Some Real Bonds Were Formed Through Live Journal.
Live Journal took the whole idea of being pen pals to a new level back in the day.
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Oh Yeah, Throwback DeviantArt Was Something Else.
It’s high time to give some of those starving and aspiring amateur artists their flowers.
Never Forget.
There are many people out there that have nothing but the fondest memories of their time spent interacting with Homestar Runner. (Thankfully, the site is still around!)
So Many Hidden Gems.
If you know you know. AddictingGames was an absolute goldmine of surprise treasures when it came to unexpected, vaguely mindless, yet entirely entertaining mini games.
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A Time Like No Other.
The younger generations of today probably don’t even know what MySpace is to begin with. Which is troubling in and of itself.
