What is Web 3.0 (Web3)?
Web 3.0 (Web3) is the third generation of the evolution of web technologies. Web 3.0 will have a strong emphasis on decentralized applications and make extensive use of blockchain-based technologies. Web 3.0 will also make use of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to help empower more intelligent and adaptive applications.
It took over 10 years to transition from the original web, Web 1.0, to Web 2.0, and it is expected to take just as long, if not longer, to fully implement and reshape the web with Web 3.0.
Web 1.0 Static, Ready-Only – (1989-2005)
By October 1990, Berners-Lee had written the three fundamental technologies that became the foundation of the web, including the very first webpage editor/browser (WorldWideWeb.app):
HTML (HyperText Markup Language), URI or URL (Uniform Resource Identifier or Locator), and HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)
Also Read: The negative aspect of technology on society
Web 1.0, also called the Static Web is characterized as a read-only web experience. Users can only read the information on web pages driven by web browsers, HTML, HTTP, and URL technology. The experience is highly decentralized, and there are no search engines. Instead, Web 1.0 content is static and hyperlinked together. Web 1.0 is also referred to as the Syntactic Web, and the user’s role is limited. Back in the day, creating user pages or even commenting on articles wasn’t a thing
Web 2.0 Centralized By Giants – (2005-present)
Web 2.0 is the second generation of the world wide web and is known as the read-write Web or the social Web because it facilitates interaction between users and sites, made the internet a lot more interactive thanks to advancements in web technologies like Javascript, HTML5, CSS3, etc., which enabled startups to build interactive web platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Wikipedia and many more.
A small group of big tech companies like Meta (previously Facebook), YouTube, and Twitter own most of the user data associated with Web 2.0. The data is highly centralized with these tech giants. This centralization of data (and power) and monetization of users is spurring the need for Web 3.0.
Web 3.0 Definition and Features – (yet to come)
The next stage of the web evolution is Web is highly decentralized, driven by machine learning and artificial intelligence, and leverages blockchain technology. The result is real-world human communication. Users retain control over their data and content, and they can sell or trade their data without losing ownership, risking privacy or relying on intermediaries. In this business model, users can log into a website without having their internet identity tracked.
Semantic Web
The semantic Web is meant to “automatically” interface with systems, people, and home devices. As such, content creation and decision-making processes will involve both humans and machines.
Artificial Intelligence
By combining semantic capabilities with natural language processing, computers can understand information on a human-like level to provide faster and more relevant results. In doing so, they become more intelligent and better satisfy the needs of users.
3D Graphics
Three-dimensional design is used extensively in websites and services in Web 3.0. Museum guides, computer games, eCommerce, geospatial contexts, and more are all common examples of this.
Connectivity
With Web 3.0, information is more connected thanks to semantic metadata. As a result, the user experience evolves into a new level of connectivity that leverages all available information.
Ubiquity
Internet content and services can be accessed anywhere at any time via any number of devices, rather than exclusively via computers and smartphones. Web 2.0 is already ubiquitous in many ways, but the growth of IoT devices will take it to new levels.
Blockchain
With blockchain technology, user data is protected and encrypted. This prevents large companies from controlling and/or using users’ personal data for their gain.
Decentralized
Decentralized data networks store data within a peer-to-peer interconnection. Users maintain ownership over their data and digital assets and are able to log in securely over the internet without being tracked.
Computing
Web 3.0 relies on the advance of edge computing in which apps and data are processed at the network edge on devices such as mobile phones, laptops, appliances, sensors, and even smart cars.