AOL is discontinuing dial-up Internet after 30+ years and Millennials are in mourning

"An era coming to an end in a cacophony of screeching static."

By Emily Shiffer

AOL dial-up Internet will forever hold a sacred place in the hearts of Millennials (and older generations) who grew up using it, but after more than 30 years, it is finally being discontinued. AOL announced that the service will officially be shut off on Sept. 30, 2025.

The news sent Millennials down memory lane online, sharing their nostalgic childhood stories and experiences with AOL's dial-up Internet on online forums.

"An era coming to an end in a cacophony of screeching static," one Millennial commented, referring to AOL's iconic dial-up tone that always happened when it was "loading'" for use. "idk why but this made me sad," another added.

📈 Man has recorded his mood every 15 minutes for 7 years. Here's what he learned about happiness.

"The search for that formula is what keeps me going."

By Cecily Knobler

Kevin Sandler woke up one day in 2018, a senior in high school, and decided to do something unusual. A self-described "data nerd," he wanted to find a way to make a quantitative roadmap to understanding what, exactly, made him happy. So, he began charting his moods every fifteen minutes and has done so for the past seven years.

He's not the first to track moods. The popular logging journal app, A Year in Pixels, helps people assess their emotions using color grids that people can individually design. One can then see their moods change with charts based on weeks, months, and years allowing them to visualize how their overall well-being tracks through time.

In fact, Sandler was inspired by this app, but wanted more. He didn't just want the "what" or "when" of it all. He wanted the "why." In an exclusive chat with Upworthy, he jokes, "I thought, how can I make this even MORE intense?"

Faith, we’re so proud of you. ♥️

5️⃣ 5 ways people are going “All In” this week

By Prutha Patel

There’s something magical about watching someone go "all in" on something. Whether it’s an elaborately themed birthday party or a home chef turning dinner into a culinary spectacle, going "all in" means total commitment—no holding back, no second-guessing, just full-throttle enthusiasm. And speaking of commitment, our friends at All In are seriously committed to your snack game...they’re even giving you free bars.

From the silliest to the most sentimental, there are so many ways people are going “all in” on the internet this week. Here are our five favorites.

🏷️ Shopaholics are trying the '30/30 Rule' to spend less, and it’s working like magic

“I created a rule that helps me avoid unnecessary spending.”

By kat hong

There are two types of people in this world: people who impulse buy and people with superhuman willpower.

Does this sound familiar? You’re tapping through Instagram stories, and it appears. A cropped t-shirt starring Hello Kitty as a teeny, kitten-sized tomato, ripe and still on the vine. It’s the crop top of your dreams.

Or is it? Perhaps the fact that it’s currently 2 a.m. and the melatonin you took 15 minutes ago is starting to whisper things like “Buy it,” or “You need that shirt,” to you—not kismet.