The so-called third “generation” of the internet seems to be closer than we think, and promises to decentralize content regulation, enable new AI processes, embrace the metaverse, and accept digital currencies as its primary payment method. Web 3, or Web 3.0, is a term you’ve probably come across if you’re an internet veteran. It refers to the next generation of the internet, which encourages decentralized protocols and strives to lessen our dependence on giant digital companies like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon. But what exactly is it, and how is it changing the way we interact with the internet and our applications?
What is web 3.0?
To fully understand why and how technological advances are affecting the way we experience (web) applications, we need to start with the basics. So what exactly is Web 3.0? And where does it come from?
Web 3.0 is one of the newest internet technologies, combining student data machine learning, artificial intelligence, and blockchain to enable real-time human communication. Web 3.0 will allow individuals to not only own and control their data, but also be reimbursed for their time online.
Since Web 3.0 has not yet been implemented, there is no firm definition and it is based on an idea rather than solid facts that can be studied. However, to ensure that you stay ahead of the competition, it is always a good idea to be prepared for what is coming.
A little history
It's important to know what came before Web 3 to understand what's going to change. Web 1 was the early version of the Internet, consisting of a collection of links and homepages. It launched in the late 1990s. Websites were generally not very interactive. So, other than reading and posting basic stuff for others to read, you couldn't do much. Here are the main technologies that made up Web 1.0:
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
After Web 1 came Web 2. Some people refer to this version of the Internet as the “read/write” version, referring to the computer code that allowed people to open and edit files rather than just view them. People could not only consume content on this version of the Internet, but also produce and publish it on blogs like Tumblr, Reddit, Internet forums, and marketplaces like Craigslist. Later, the emergence of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram took content creation and sharing to new levels.
Web 2 consisted of three layers of innovation:
Social Media Platforms
Cloud Computing
Mobile Usage
While Web 2 provided the world with many free and on-demand services, many users were unhappy with these so-called “walled gardens” created by big tech companies, giving them more control over their data and the content they see. This is where Web 3 comes into play.
Web 3 is also known as the “read/write/own” phase of the internet. Users can directly engage in the management of internet protocols, rather than using free technology platforms in exchange for their personal data, as is the case with platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This means that users are becoming participants and stakeholders, rather than mere sources of information.