Written by Wayne Yia and Dreamer
The internet, which has changed the way we connect with each other, is going through a big change with the arrival of something called Web3. To understand why this is a big deal, let’s take a step-by-step look at the history of the internet, starting from Web1 and Web2, and see how we’ve arrived at this exciting new phase, Web3.
Contents:
- Web1: The Static Web (1990s – Early 2000s)
- Web2: The Social Web (Mid-2000s – Present)
- Web3: The Decentralized Web (Present – The Future)
- The Web3 Landscape: The Future Beckons
- Conclusion: A New Digital Dawn
Web1: The Static Web (1990s – Early 2000s)
The birth of Web1 was triggered by the creation of the World Wide Web, which made it possible to share and access information on a global scale. This was a significant step forward, but it was just the beginning.
Web1, or the first version of the internet, functioned like a digital library. During the 1990s and early 2000s, it served as a place where information was stored. Users could read this information, but they couldn’t interact with it or alter it.
The information flow was a one-way street – certain individuals, mostly academics and scientists, would upload information, and others could access and read it. Imagine walking into a library, picking up a book, and reading it. That’s what using the internet was like during the Web1 era. Users couldn’t write in the book or change its content.
During this time, there were no online shops or businesses, and mobile internet was just being introduced. It was a period when the internet was in its infancy and just starting to grow.
Web2: The Social Web (Mid-2000s – Present)
The birth of Web2 was triggered by several factors. One was the rise of broadband internet, which made it faster and easier to use the internet. Another was the development of new technologies that made it possible to create more interactive websites. But perhaps the biggest factor was a change in mindset – people started to see the internet not just as a place to find information, but as a place to connect with others and express themselves.
Web2, or the second version of the internet, was like a big, bustling city compared to the quiet library of Web1. It started in the mid-2000s and was all about people interacting with each other and creating their own content. This was when social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube started to become popular.
Instead of just reading information, people could now post their own thoughts, share photos, and start discussions. It was like everyone got their own microphone and could broadcast to the world. This was a big change because it meant that anyone with an internet connection could share their ideas and experiences, not just academics and scientists.
This was also the time when businesses started to move online. You could shop from the comfort of your own home, and new companies were started that only existed on the internet. Websites became more focused on the user, and there was a lot of collaboration and sharing of information.
Web3: The Decentralized Web (Present – The Future)
The birth of Web3 was triggered by several factors. One was the development of blockchain technology, which made it possible to create a decentralized internet. Another was the rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which demonstrated the feasibility of a digital currency not controlled by any government or bank. A third factor was a growing desire for privacy and control over personal data, leading to new ways of building and using websites and apps.
Web3, or the third version of the internet, can be likened to a bustling marketplace where everyone owns their own shop. It’s all about returning power to the people. This shift began in the late 2010s and continues today.
In the Web3 era, the internet is more interconnected than ever before. Thanks to smart devices like smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even smart fridges, we can access the internet from almost anywhere. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning enable the internet to learn from us and provide a more personalized experience.
But the most significant change with Web3 is its construction. It employs blockchain technology, a type of secure and transparent digital ledger. This means that when you create something online – whether it’s a social media post, a blog, or even a digital artwork – you truly own it, and everyone can verify your ownership.
This is a major development because it eliminates the need for middlemen. In the past, if you wanted to sell something online, you had to go through a platform like eBay or Amazon. But with Web3, you can sell directly to the buyer, making the internet a fairer and more open space.
The Web3 Landscape: The Future Beckons
Web3 is like a new beginning for the internet. It’s not just a step up from what we have now; it’s a whole new way of thinking about how we use the internet. Instead of just reading or watching stuff online, we can actually be a part of creating it.
You know how when you’re using an app or a website, it feels like it’s someone else’s space? With Web3, it’s like we each get our own space to create and control.
And you know how sometimes things on the internet don’t work well because there’s too much traffic or the server is down? Well, as the technology behind Web3 (called blockchain) gets better, those problems are going to happen less and less.
Plus, more and more apps are starting to use this new way of doing things. This means that Web3 has the potential to change the way a lot of industries work. It’s like we’re on the edge of a whole new world of possibilities with the internet.
Conclusion: A New Digital Dawn
Over the past few decades, the web has evolved significantly, transitioning from static web pages to an immersive user experience. Currently, there’s buzz about a new phase known as Web3. It’s as if the city is planning to empower its residents. Instead of a handful of large companies controlling everything, each individual will have a say in how things are managed. This is what we refer to as decentralization and user empowerment. So, in this future city, it’s not just about residing there, but also contributing to its shape and appearance.
See also:
- ThinkMarketingMagazine: The Evolution of the Internet: How We Got from Web 1.0 to Web 3.0
- geeksforgeeks: Difference Between Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0
- Investopedia: Web 3.0 Explained, Plus the History of Web 1.0 and 2.0
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/evolution-internet-web-10-20-30-deepak-lyngdoh/
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