Ep 4. The i Decade

The 2000s season 1 episode 4, titled "The i Decade," takes viewers on a journey through the cultural and technological revolution ushered in by the invention of the iPhone and other Apple products. The episode explores the impact, both positive and negative, that this new age of connectivity had on society, politics, and the art world.

The episode opens with a brief history of the development of the iPhone, highlighting Apple's innovative culture and Steve Jobs' visionary leadership. The first iPhone, released in 2007, changed the game for mobile devices with its sleek design and user-friendly interface. The episode then delves into the immediate impact the smartphone had on the world.

One of the first areas to be transformed by the iPhone was the way people consumed media. With the ability to download music, TV shows, and movies straight to their device, individuals were no longer confined to their homes or a DVD player. In this new age of streaming, companies like Netflix and Apple Music emerged as the go-to sources for entertainment. The episode also explores the rise of influential bloggers and social media influencers who used the iPhone to create content and grow their platforms.

As the episode progresses, it also touches on the darker side of this newfound interconnectedness. The iPhone paved the way for new anxieties, including cyberbullying, addiction, and the loss of privacy. The episode examines how society adapted to these challenges, including increased regulation of tech companies and the invention of new apps to combat digital addiction.

The "i Decade" also saw significant political change facilitated by the iPhone. The episode examines how social media platforms and apps like Twitter and Facebook became essential tools in activism. From the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street, protestors were able to coordinate and connect with others like never before. However, these same platforms also enabled the rise of fake news and propaganda, leading to increased political polarization and mistrust.

Finally, the episode explores how Apple's influence extended beyond the field of technology. The company's sleek design and branding had a major impact on the art world, spurring a new wave of minimalist aesthetic. From fashion to furniture, the iPhone's influence can be seen in everyday design.

Overall, "The i Decade" offers a comprehensive look at how the iPhone and Apple products changed the social and cultural landscape of the early 2000s. While the episode acknowledges the potential downsides of living in an always-on, constantly connected world, it ultimately celebrates the possibilities for growth, learning, and activism that technology offers.