The first email was sent in the 1970s, specifically in 1971 by Ray Tomlinson, who was an American computer programmer. This milestone in communication technology allowed users to send messages through the ARPANET, the precursor to the internet. Email revolutionized communication, paving the way for modern digital interactions, and has since evolved into a critical tool for personal and business communication worldwide. This innovation laid the foundation for the vast array of online communication methods we rely on today.