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# The Internet Is Bonding Over Embarrassing Screen Names As AIM Signs Off Forever


by 

[Melissa Locker](https://time.com/author/melissa-locker/)


## Melissa Locker


Dec 15, 2017 4:56 PM UTC

by 

[Melissa Locker](https://time.com/author/melissa-locker/)


## Melissa Locker


Dec 15, 2017 4:56 PM UTC

Before there was [Snapchat](http://time.com/5041001/snapchat-app-redesign-tips/?iid=sr-link5), WhatsApp, Instagram messaging, or iChat, there was AIM, AOL’s instant messenger service and it was the best way for ’90s and ’00s teens to chat with friends, find like-minded Sonic the Hedgehog or Rancid fans, flirt with strangers, generally get awkward, and make all kinds of AIMemories. Since times—and [technology](http://time.com/5037753/top-10-apps-2017/?iid=sr-link7)— have changed, the service signed off for the last time on December 15, 20 years after it launched, and [the internet](http://time.com/5064822/net-neutrality-repeal-fcc/?iid=sr-link6) is throwing a nostalgia-fueled wake.

Those who knew and loved the service are raiding their teenage diaries and sharing their AIM screen names and they are a [delightful](http://time.com/5064491/viral-school-photo/?iid=sr-link10) time capsule of wannabe cool, laugh-out-loud awkward, hindsight-is-embarrassing ’90s gems. Check out this list of classic screen names as a final away message to the service that started it all.

> [](https://twitter.com/ItsBrianBuckley/status/941554715522977797)

> [](https://twitter.com/gwayby/status/941469278448095232)

> [](https://twitter.com/WildWitchBeauty/status/928017964632297472)

> [](https://twitter.com/G%5Flewnit/status/941694048146001920)

> [](https://twitter.com/sansarya%5F/status/941489796899377157)


> [](https://twitter.com/UltrixCrow/status/941165256914751488)

> [](https://twitter.com/wadeevans26/status/941381809044062209)

> [](https://twitter.com/UltrixCrow/status/941165256914751488)


> [](https://twitter.com/Val%5FSouth/status/941355877004709888)

> [](https://twitter.com/mlisethhh/status/941401331234955264)

> [](https://twitter.com/frozenforyou/status/941351243259064320)


> [](https://twitter.com/darkrock17/status/941669115143520256)

AIM Is Gone So The Internet Shares Embarrassing Screen Names

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