[brodouevencode]

It's not, really, but it is more pervasive. In 2001 the internet was a thing, and one with great potential even if massively economically overvalued at the time (dot-com bust), but primarily relegated to those with a baseline interest in technology. Dial up was still used in a very large way. But in 2001 we were on the precipice of the explosion of web 2.0 and better hardware, namely smartphones, and that's when things really took off.

I think the difference here is the overall human approach to digital and physical lives. In 2001 the line between the two was clear and distinct. Now, for many, those lines blurred, and have blurred hard. Almost to the point to where their online manifestation has become their physical manifestation. Look at the language carryover from online to meatspace. More than once have I heard someone say "el oh el". And not in a sarcastic way. It's only a matter of time before desired physical characteristics bleed over. (Pretty sure it would be pretty easy to make an argument that it already has.)