What key technology emerged in the 1990s that revolutionized communication and information exchange?

The internet emerged in the 1990s as a groundbreaking technology that fundamentally transformed communication and information exchange. It enabled not only instant messaging and email communication but also provided a platform for the rapid dissemination of information through websites, making vast amounts of data accessible to anyone with a connection. This shift had profound implications across various sectors, including education, commerce, and social interaction, paving the way for the digital age. Unlike mobile phones, which were already in use prior to the 1990s, or television and satellite radio, which primarily served as one-way communication mediums, the internet democratized information sharing and allowed for two-way communication, fundamentally altering how people interact and access information in a global context.