Even then when it intertwined with the real world it was more of seperate experience. I remember buying kids books from a big publisher that came with a disc. Say dinosaurs or the human body. The disc content aligned with the book and it would have links to special hidden content or quizzes. Look up interactivity with director or flash, it’s clunky and basic but you’ll see how internet design became what it is.

I also like competitions for years they had a somewhat real aspect. You could buy a product and go online play a silly game and maybe win, it was like a bonus to the product. Or you might have to go take a photo of a random thing and email or post it in. The internet was the communication aspect not the all.

It was a compliment to your life. Not a responsibility or chore.