It has probably been a really long time since you have used AOL’s instant messenger – but if you continue to use AIM, you will no longer be able to as of December 15, 2017. It was announced on Friday that after 20 years of existence, AIM will be shut down.
This may not come as a surprise for some seeing as AOL removed any access to AIM from third-party chat clients a few months ago, which caused some speculation about a complete shutdown.
AIM was one of the first instant messaging services to emerge, and it was a quintessential part of anyone in school during the 1990s and early 2000s.
On Twitter, people began reminiscing about AIM:
If you were a product of the 90s you know #AIM was the origin of petty screenshots and print outs. Made me a better human #RIPAIM
— Chantrese (@JustTresey) October 6, 2017
*~*~*~HeLlO tHeRe tHe AnGeL oF my NIGHTmare*~***
@ soccer practice, hit da cell!!!! #RIPaim pic.twitter.com/KxE1B9REkq— Kellie Rowe (@kellierowe) October 6, 2017
I'm forever traumatized by the sound of that door creaking open & slamming shut panicking thinking it's my crush every single time. #RIPAIM
— Kat Dekari (@katdekari) October 8, 2017