America Online, commonly known as AOL, was one of the first major internet service providers in the United States. Founded in 1985, it offered dial-up internet access, email services, and a variety of online content, making it popular in the 1990s. AOL's user-friendly interface and extensive features helped introduce many people to the internet. In the early 2000s, AOL began to face competition from broadband providers and other internet services. Despite efforts to adapt, including a shift to a web-based model, its popularity declined. In 2015, AOL was acquired by Verizon Communications, marking a significant change in its business direction.