A Fond Farewell to ICQ
In a bittersweet announcement, the pioneering messaging service ICQ is scheduled to shut down on June 26 after a remarkable 28-year run. Once a staple of Internet communication, ICQ’s presence had faded from the public eye, but not from the fond memories of its early adopters.
ICQ’s inception was almost serendipitous, born out of a need for better communication tools during the development of a different project. Its creators, a quartet of Israeli tech enthusiasts, were riding the wave of potential that followed the Netscape IPO, initially working on a service for beeper messages. However, their frustration with missed online messages led to the creation of ICQ—a solution for staying connected without tying up the phone line in the era of dial-up Internet.
Without the bolster of a significant marketing campaign, ICQ’s popularity soared through the early online gaming communities. It quickly became a precursor to social networking platforms and modern-day messaging apps, leaving a lasting imprint on digital communication tools like Discord.
The service changed hands over the years, from AOL to Mail.ru—now VK—each owner shaping its destiny. ICQ’s evolution saw it transition from a mainstream messaging powerhouse to a niche platform akin to a Russian Skype alternative, ultimately leading to its forthcoming closure.
ICQ: An Unofficial Archive of Digital Nostalgia
As the end of an era approaches, Ars Technica staffers have reflected on their personal experiences with ICQ, sharing tales that highlight the service’s influence on their lives.
ICQ’s Lasting Impressions
Senior Editor Samuel Axon recalls the distinctive features of ICQ, like the memorable “uh oh!” notification sound and the unique identifier numbers which served as a status symbol—the lower, the more prestigious. Axon’s ICQ interactions were not just about gaming; they sparked a quintessential ’90s romance and served as his gateway to the world of social networking and online dating.
For Senior Technology Editor Lee Hutchinson, ICQ was more than a chat application; it was a conduit for romance and a companion during major global events. It played a pivotal role in his relationship with his future wife, allowing for discreet exchanges of affection during their early courtship.
Benj Edwards, the AI and Machine Learning Reporter, reminisces about the novelty of ICQ. It was a harbinger of today’s ubiquitous IM-style texting but tethered to the limitations of the desktop and dial-up connectivity. Edwards cherishes memories of coordinating online game adventures and the excitement of connecting with others in a way that was groundbreaking at the time.
The collective memory of ICQ is one of pioneering spirit and nostalgia—a digital artifact that paved the way for the future of online interaction. As ICQ prepares to sign off for the last time, it leaves behind a legacy of innovation and personal connections that remain cherished by those who were part of its journey.