And the Millennial Canon Bracket Winner Is … – The Ringer

🔍 Summary:

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) has been crowned the ultimate symbol of the millennial generation in a competition hosted by The Ringer. After evaluating nearly 500 entries and narrowing them down to 64 top contenders, AIM triumphed in the Millennial Canon Bracket, securing nearly 60 percent of the vote in the final round against the song “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers. This victory underscores AIM’s significant role in shaping millennial culture, representing a time when this generation experienced cutting-edge communication technology that was soon to be overtaken by newer innovations. The nostalgia associated with AIM includes memories of waiting for friends to log on, choosing the perfect song lyrics for profiles, and interpreting cryptic away messages. The chat platform epitomizes the transition from old-school to modern digital communication, capturing the essence of millennial enthusiasm and connection before the onset of more complex social media interactions. As AIM is celebrated for its impact, it evokes a longing among many millennials for the simpler days of instant messaging.

📌 Source: https://www.theringer.com/2025/05/10/pop-culture/millennial-canon-bracket-winner-aol-instant-messenger