The first email in history
The first email in history
When it all began
In 1971, engineer Ray Tomlinson sent the first email in the world using the ARPANET system, the precursor to the modern internet. The message was simple and not very important — probably something like “QWERTYUIOP” — but its impact was huge. This small experiment changed forever the way we communicate.
The “@” symbol that became standard
Ray Tomlinson also chose the “@” symbol to separate the username from the computer name, creating the user@computer format we still use in all emails today. A detail that seemed small became a milestone in digital communication.
Why it matters
Even after more than 50 years, email remains one of the most important forms of professional and personal communication. The story of the first email reminds us that small experiments can lead to big changes.
Lessons
Innovation can start in a simple way
Details like symbols and standards can become universal
Technology evolves quickly, but the fundamentals remain
The first email was not just a message; it was the beginning of a new era of global communication.
Did you know?
