In 1995, astronomer Clifford Stoll expressed skepticism about the Internet, predicting that it was overhyped and would eventually fade away. His views sparked debate about the future of digital technology and its societal implications. Stoll's skepticism serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties that accompany technological advancements, highlighting the need for critical engagement with emerging innovations.

Clifford Stoll's skepticism about the internet in 1995 resonated in late 20th-century poetry that debated the virtual versus the real. Poets began to address themes of information overload and the impact of technology on human connection, reflecting societal anxieties.