Welcome to 2004 Week

In 2004, significant technological advancements and cultural events shaped the digital landscape we know today. This year marked the launch of several influential platforms, including Facebook, Gmail, Flickr, and Firefox, which collectively contributed to the emergence of Web 2.0. The internet transitioned from a niche activity to a mainstream phenomenon, with Google going public and solidifying its dominance in the tech industry. Meanwhile, the United States experienced a contentious election, and popular films like sequels dominated the box office, reflecting the cultural zeitgeist of the time. The first DARPA Grand Challenge took place in 2004, showcasing the potential of autonomous vehicles and setting the stage for future innovations in robotics and transportation. The Motorola Razr was introduced, becoming an iconic cellphone that captured the public's imagination. This year also saw the rise of social media, with Facebook being developed in a Harvard dorm room, which would eventually revolutionize how people connect and communicate online. As the digital world evolved, the cultural impact of these technological advancements became evident. The launch of platforms like Digg highlighted the growing importance of user-generated content and community engagement in shaping online discourse. The events of 2004 laid the groundwork for the interconnected world we inhabit today, influencing everything from social interactions to the way we consume information. Reflecting on this pivotal year, it is clear that 2004 was a turning point in technology and culture, setting the stage for the rapid advancements that followed and the digital landscape we navigate in 2024.