On December 26, 1982, TIME magazine awarded a computer its annual Man of the Year award, marking the first time it was given to an inanimate object in the 55-year history of the award. This issue symbolized the changing times and highlighted how technology began to influence culture.

TIME magazine first introduced the Man of the Year award in 1927 to recognize individuals who had a significant impact on the world during that year. While the award is generally considered an honor, TIME has also selected individuals whose actions negatively affected the year. Some of the most controversial choices included Adolf Hitler in 1938, Joseph Stalin in 1939 and 1942, and Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979. The selection of a computer was controversial because it was not a “man,” but it was far from the most poorly received award in the magazine’s history.

By 1982, computers were becoming increasingly common and influenced culture in various ways. That year’s TIME issue featured key figures from the tech industry, including Steve Jobs, John Opel, Adam Osborne, Dan Bricklin, Jack Tramiel, and Clive Sinclair. They were instrumental in developing cutting-edge technology and making it accessible to the average person. Steve Jobs, in particular, was disappointed because he believed he would receive the award.

The magazine discussed computers’ current benefits and potential future applications while addressing the possibility that computers could displace human jobs. Reflecting on that issue today, TIME accurately predicted the significant impact of technology on our lives.