technology / Real

Is email older than the World Wide Web?

Yes. Networked email predates the Web by many years.

The Claim

Email existed before the World Wide Web.

The Answer

The Web began at CERN around 1989-1990, while ARPANET-era email was developed earlier. The two internet technologies are related in public imagination but not the same age.

Why This Is Surprising

It sounds like the kind of claim that races around social feeds without context. The source trail matters because the best version of the wonder is the verified one.

How We Checked It

We looked for an authoritative primary source, checked the wording against at least one credible secondary source when available, and recorded the last review date.

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