What Is 2000's

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The term '2000s' refers to the decade from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2009, also known as the 'noughties.' It was marked by the rise of digital technology, the internet boom, and major global events such as the 9/11 attacks and the 2008 financial crisis.

Key Facts

The 2000s spanned from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2009, officially known as the first decade of the 21st century.
The dot-com bubble burst in 2000, wiping out over $5 trillion in market value from tech stocks by 2002.
Facebook launched in 2004 and reached 100 million users by 2008, revolutionizing social media.
The global population increased from 6.1 billion in 2000 to 6.9 billion by 2010.
The iPhone was introduced in 2007, marking the beginning of the smartphone era.

Overview

The 2000s, often referred to as the 'noughties,' represent the decade between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2009. This period was defined by rapid technological advancement, significant geopolitical shifts, and cultural transformations driven by digital connectivity.

From the aftermath of the Y2K scare to the global financial crisis of 2008, the decade shaped modern society in lasting ways. The rise of the internet, mobile devices, and social platforms redefined communication, commerce, and entertainment.

Y2K: Despite widespread fears, the transition to the year 2000 passed without major technological failures, with less than 100 critical system failures reported worldwide.
9/11 Attacks: On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda terrorists attacked the U.S., killing nearly 3,000 people and triggering the War on Terror.
Internet Growth: Global internet users surged from 360 million in 2000 to over 1.6 billion by 2009, a 344% increase.
Climate Awareness: The 2000s saw the release of Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth' in 2006, which raised global awareness about climate change.
Pop Culture: The decade featured iconic music from artists like Beyoncé, Eminem, and Justin Timberlake, and the rise of reality TV with shows like 'American Idol.'

How It Works

The 2000s functioned as a transitional decade, bridging analog and digital eras. Key developments in technology, politics, and culture set the foundation for the 2010s and beyond.

Term: The '2000s' refers to the years 2000–2009. It is distinct from the '2010s' and is sometimes called the 'aughts' or 'noughties' in cultural references.
Digital Revolution: Broadband internet adoption reached 40% of U.S. households by 2005, enabling faster access and the rise of streaming services like YouTube, launched in 2005.
Mobile Evolution: Nokia dominated early in the decade, but Apple's iPhone launch in June 2007 redefined mobile computing and app ecosystems.
Globalization: China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, accelerating its economic rise and reshaping global trade dynamics.
War on Terror: The U.S. invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 and Iraq in March 2003, leading to prolonged military engagements and geopolitical instability.
Entertainment Shift: DVD sales peaked in 2006, while digital downloads and file-sharing services like Napster and iTunes transformed media consumption.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key developments in the 2000s versus the 1990s and 2010s:

Category	1990s	2000s	2010s
Internet Users (Global)	~280 million (1999)	~1.6 billion (2009)	~2.3 billion (2019)
Top Tech Company	Microsoft	Apple	Apple/Amazon
Major Conflict	Gulf War, Balkans	War on Terror	ISIS, Syria
Popular Music Format	CDs	Digital Downloads	Streaming
U.S. President	Clinton	Bush, Obama	Obama, Trump

This table illustrates how the 2000s served as a pivotal bridge between analog and digital dominance. While the 1990s laid the groundwork for the internet, the 2000s saw its mass adoption and integration into daily life, setting the stage for the mobile and cloud-based ecosystems of the 2010s.

Why It Matters

The 2000s fundamentally reshaped global society, influencing how people communicate, consume media, and engage with technology. Its legacy is evident in today’s digital-first world, where smartphones and social networks dominate daily life.

Smartphone Revolution: The iPhone and Android devices, introduced late in the decade, led to over 5 billion mobile users by 2020.
Social Media Rise: Platforms like MySpace (2003), Facebook (2004), and Twitter (2006) changed how people share information and build communities online.
Economic Shifts: The 2008 financial crisis, triggered by the U.S. housing collapse, caused a global GDP drop of 0.1% in 2009.
Climate Policy: The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, entered into force in 2005, marking the first major international climate agreement.
Space Exploration: The International Space Station became continuously inhabited starting in November 2000, a milestone in human spaceflight.
Cultural Impact: The Harry Potter series, released between 2001 and 2007, became a $7.7 billion franchise, influencing a generation.

The 2000s were a transformative decade that set the pace for the digital age. From the rise of mobile technology to shifts in global power structures, its influence continues to shape the modern world.