It was slow but in a way more connected if that makes sense. There was more awe and more exciting things because you literally had to search for content or get it word of mouth from your friends. Communities were more inclusive and you generally knew who you were talking to online be via ICQ, AOL Instant Messenger, mIRC, or web forums/chat rooms.

I had friends from all over the world. people I knew on a first name basis that I had never met in person at all. and we all knew each other. either because we all played the same game together, we were in the same gaming clan, or we all had a similar interest in some random hobby/fandom. We'd talk on ICQ or AOL IM. We'd hang out all day in IRC and talk or just post stuff on the forums. We'd buy each other christmas and birthday presents. I remember one time a few of us in our group all pooled our money together to buy another in our friend group an Xbox cause he couldn't afford one. My mom would naturally get concerned when I'd get packages in the mail on my birthday or christmas from places half way across the world. Guy I knew that lived in Mexico (i'm in Canada) bought me Audioslaves first album cause he figured I'd really like it. Just awesome stuff like that. You don't get that these days.

Like for example right now I'm replying to your comment on this site. Back in my day if I were to do something like that there's a good chance I would actually know you.

That's what being social on the internet was like back then. It was way better. it was more carefree and fun. It was innocent.