40 Years Bold

The 2000s: Most Disruptive Decade Since World War II

Google hit its stride, the iPhone debuted and the internet and social media gave the masses a voice

December 8, 2019

This article is part of a series celebrating our being 40 Years Bold, highlighting four decades—and counting—of Adweek, whose editors look back at notable news, trends and people, and at what could be in store for the next 40 years.

Our 20s are a transitional time. We leave the confines of our parents’ rule and enter the harsh realities of the working world. We start a career. Our brains mature. Our bodies hit their peak. Statistically, most of us meet our spouse.