Web 1, 2, and 3 Explained (The Briefest Summary)
The internet is literally one of the most revolutionary technologies to exist in human history. Since the invention of the internet, how we do business, how we communicate and interact with each other, and how we stay entertained, has all changed. Media, communication, education, and more have all been improved by the internet.
When we begin to speak of ‘Web3’ in referring to blockchain technology, the question is, what exactly does that mean? Yet even before we ask that question, when did we have Web1 and Web2, and how are they different from Web3?
Here is a brief explanation.
Web1 (1989–2005)
Web1, also known as the “static web,” was the first generation of the internet. It was primarily used for displaying text-based content and static images. Web1 was a one-way communication channel, with websites serving as archives of information that users could access but not interact with. Websites were simple and static, and there was no user-generated content.
Using and navigating Web1 can be compared to cycling through a PowerPoint presentation, where all the text and data is displayed slide by slide (webpage by webpage), with optional links to quick jump to other slides. Although, unlike PowerPoints, Web1 was completely static information, read-only, with no dynamic animations nor any interactivity beyond viewing information.
Web2 (1999 — present)
Web2, also known as the “social web,” emerged in the early 2000s and transformed the internet into a two-way communication channel. Web2 was characterized by user-generated content, social networking, and interactive web applications. This development led to the rise of social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and mobile apps.
Web2 enabled users to interact with websites and applications, creating a more dynamic and engaging online experience. With Web2, the focus shifted from static content all the way into user-generated content, and businesses had to adapt their marketing strategies accordingly. Web2 also paved the way for the growth of cloud computing, which enabled businesses to access and store data remotely.
Web3 (2008 — present)
When Web3 initially started is hard to exactly pin down, due to the fact that, some such as Tim Berners-Lee were conceptualizing of ideas such as “the Semantic Web” as early as 1999, which he himself as said can be considered a part of Web3. Yet, how Web3 is most commonly spoken of in modern times, is in it’s relation to blockchain technology.
Web3 is the next evolution of the internet, and it promises to be even more transformative than Web2. Web3 is sometimes referred to as the “decentralized web” or the “blockchain web.” The core idea behind Web3 is to create a more open, decentralized, and secure internet that puts users in control of their data and digital identity.
Web3 is built on blockchain technology, which is a distributed ledger that allows for secure and transparent transactions. With Web3, users can access and store data on a decentralized network of computers, rather than relying on centralized servers. This approach reduces the risk of data breaches and gives users greater control over their data.
Web3 also enables the creation of decentralized applications, or dApps, which are built on blockchain technology and run on a decentralized network. dApps are more secure, transparent, and resistant to censorship than traditional web applications, and they allow for peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries.
Another key feature of Web3 is the use of cryptocurrency as a means of exchange. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum are built on blockchain technology and allow for secure and decentralized transactions. Web3 also enables the creation of digital assets, which can be bought, sold, and traded on a decentralized network.
In conclusion, Web3 represents the next evolution of the internet, and it promises to be even more transformative than Web2. With Web3, we can create a more open, decentralized, and secure internet that puts users in control of their data and digital identity. Though, as this is still a relatively new and emerging technology, staying up to date, and defining what Web3 is still in the process of unfolding.
