World Wide Web Day

Beep-boop. You've got mail… and a whole world at your fingertips.

This World Wide Web Day, August 1st, we’re dialling back to the golden age of pixelated pop-ups, MSN statuses, and the thrill of your first search. We asked our MB.ioneers Tiago Machado, Daniela Santos, and Stefan Reith what the internet means to them today. The answers? A mix of nostalgia, connection, and just enough chaos to remind us why we fell in love with the web in the first place.

Let's dive in!

Tiago Machado

What’s your earliest memory of using the internet?
I remember sneaking online late at night, covering the computer with blankets to muffle the sound of the 56k modem dialling in, just to avoid waking anyone up. Years later, I found out I could’ve simply muted the internal speaker.

How has your relationship with the internet evolved over time?
Coming from a small town, the internet was my gateway to the world. I started with IRC, connecting with people I’d never meet otherwise. That evolved into MSN, online forums, and eventually online gaming. It wasn’t just entertainment, it was a way to explore, learn, and feel part of something bigger.

What does being “online” mean to you today?
Remotely available. For me it’s less about constant connectivity and more about reachability.

How has working online shaped the way you collaborate or connect with others in your role?
While some conversations are still easier in person, working online has brought immense flexibility. It’s easier to reach people, access their opinions, and make informed decisions. Remote work has made collaboration more inclusive and efficient - especially when supported by the right tools and culture.

Daniela Santos

What’s your earliest memory of using the internet?
My earliest memories are a mix of sounds and sensations: the high-pitched screech of the modem connecting, the Telepac internet cards we had to buy, and the thrill of exploring Napster for the first time. And of course, MIRC — being an OP of a channel was a badge of honor back then. It felt like stepping into a whole new world where everything was possible.

How has your relationship with the internet evolved over time?
I was lucky to grow up with internet access, thanks to my father, who was a big fan of new technologies. I went from dial-up connections to being constantly online — from MSN Messenger to Microsoft Teams. Over the years, the internet went from being a novelty to something woven into the fabric of daily life. It's how I work, learn, and stay connected.

What does being “online” mean to you today?
For me, being online is mostly about learning. I use the internet every day to stay informed and dive into topics I care about — whether it’s professional development or personal curiosity. With the rise of AI, that sense of instant, deep learning has become even more accessible. It's like having the world’s best library at your fingertips.

How has working online shaped the way you collaborate or connect with others in your role?
Working online has completely reshaped how I collaborate. Remote tools have become second nature — from real-time editing in shared docs to async feedback loops that span time zones. It’s made teamwork more flexible and inclusive. For me, it’s not just about efficiency — it’s about the ability to connect meaningfully, even when we’re not in the same room.

Stefan Reith

What’s your earliest memory of using the internet?
The sound of the 56k Modem that blocked all phone calls on the landline while you surfed the internet using "Smart Surfer" to find the lowest price because you had to pay per minute if you did not have one of those "20 hours free surfing AOL CDs".

How has your relationship with the internet evolved over time?
While being very optimistic in the beginning (having all this content like knowledge & media available with a click and exchanging with people all around the world) to raised concerns in terms of social media, AI and so on... It's obvious that Corona had a big impact how we work and made me a home office fan, while I still enjoy visiting the office.

What does being “online” mean to you today?
It's a permanent state, which is a blessing and a curse at the same time.

How has working online shaped the way you collaborate or connect with others in your role?
My teams can be everywhere and with the click of a button you can have a call with people all around the world (if they are awake at the moment). No need to spend more time on commuting then the actual meeting, while still having the possibility to meet for workshops in person. Also in my role as a designer i can work on the same file with a colleague that is located in another city like we would sit on the same desk.

From first clicks to future dreams, one thing’s for sure: the web keeps us curious, connected, and constantly evolving.

Here’s to the next chapter of the World Wide Web.