Go Online Shopping—in 1984

It’s hard to imagine what life would be like in 2016 without the Internet. We use the wonderful World Wide Web for information, education, entertainment, and, of course, reading amazing articles. But in 1984, the Internet was an anomaly. In July of that year, British network Thames Television’s computer show Database offered its viewers a cutting-edge glimpse of all the revolutionary things one could do with the Internet, like shopping for groceries or paying your gas bill. Just plug a computer into your television set and you’re ready to go online!

The U.K.’s Nottingham Building Society spent five years developing the technology showcased in the video above, and was the first financial institution to offer online banking in 1983—which, at the time, was considered a gimmick or publicity stunt.

Images courtesy ThamesTV/YouTube