Web 2.0’s Effect on Culture
How We Evolve Alongside the Internet
Web 2.0 marks the internet’s shift towards user-generated content. Platforms such as social media, blogs, and forums allow for everyday people to share their voices. With this comes changes in American and global culture. For example, language. The current digital age has changed how we write online and speak in person. Slang terms, acronyms, and emojis have become part of our everyday vocabulary. Have you ever said OMG out loud? Maybe as a joke or a mistake? I certainly have. It’s impossible to avoid the merging of online and in-person communication. Even if one lives mostly offline, the world around us is under the influence of Web 2.0.
The current era of the internet is known for sharing information quickly and efficiently. However, the accuracy of this information is not held in high regard. While most of us were taught to not believe everything we read on the internet, we still have the instinct to blindly trust what is said online. (Or at least I do.) Why is that? I’d say it’s because of confirmation bias — we believe what we want to, the often low stakes of claims made, an acceptance of low-quality evidence, and most importantly: the simple expectation that people are naturally truthful. After all, there’s not a lot to gain from lying on the internet. Really, the only benefits may be some extra money, popularity, or entertainment from others’ confusion. (Please don’t sell your soul to clickbait and fake news.)
Since the (mis)information unit in my Digital Writing for Social Action class, I’ve found myself brushing off claims I see on social media with little to no evidence. I’ve even gone a step further and started doing research of my own if what was said peaks my interest. Thanks to Web 2.0, it’s all at my fingertips! Basically, it’s a double-edged sword. Make sure to fact check, but try not to be too cynical at the same time. There is plenty of accurate and helpful information online.
Some of the most prevalent information being shared on news sites and social media is related to the topic of the class: social action. Recently, the hot topic is conflict between Israel and Palestine. However, advocacy for any and all human rights movements can be found online through news coverage, infographics, crowdfunding, and more. Protests are primarily organized on the internet. The availability of this information recruits like-minded individuals to the cause, and can educate those who may be unaware of national or global crises.
Despite the potential for change, many internet users may become trapped in an echo chamber. In other words, people will only see and interact with others who already share the same point of view. This can lead to more misinformation, and even polarization. Therefore, it’s crucial to push past confirmation bias and seek out facts and opinions that may upset you.
Another key factor that plays a role in the spread of misinformation is the attention economy that has been created online. Why bother fact checking if the process isn’t entertaining? The internet has greatly shortened our attention span, and continues to do so every day. With the immense popularity of short-form content (for example, TikTok and X), it’s a struggle to sit down and read a book or watch a two hour movie. Okay, maybe not everyone has this problem, but it’s very common with the younger generations. I am guilty of not wanting to commit to a movie, and preferring to watch a 20 minute television show. If I’m feeling extra motivated, I may just turn on a 45 minute show. Oh, and it’s rare if this show holds my attention for the entire time. I’ll check my phone, play a game, or do my homework.
Web 2.0 encourages us to move as fast as we can and do as much as we can. It becomes hard to sort through the overload of content. It also shortens the lifespan of this content. For example, memes and viral videos. Sometimes the result of a trend, sometimes completely random, these types of media catch the internet ablaze. They burn large and intensely before dying out just as quickly as they ignited. That’s because we only have so much attention to give. When we get bored, often due to overexposure, we move on to the next big thing. This cycle is referred to as an attention economy.
I think it’s important to mention how this economy has affected our language. I touched on it a little bit at the beginning of this article, but I’d like to elaborate. Acronyms such as LOL, OMG, and IDK can obviously be connected to the short attention span, as they take less time to type than the words they stand for. Words like “okay” have been shortened to “ok” and eventually just the letter “K.” An issue that arises with online communication is a lack of tone and expression. Often times, a message consisting solely of “K” is perceived as annoyance or anger.
The internet fosters its own language. Words and emoticons are giving new meanings. For example, the word “bet” has gone from meaning wager to becoming slang for “yes.” The term originated from AAVE and black culture but was quickly picked up by the Gen-Z online. it As for emojis, well, you probably know what the eggplant has come to represent. One of my favorite emojis (😪) is primarily viewed as crying or wiping a tear. Meanwhile, it’s official unicode name is “sleepy face.” Apparently, the drop on its face is supposed to be a snot bubble.
While short-hand communication can save time, it can also cause confusion for those on the receiving end. I’ve used Urban Dictionary so many times when coming across slang on the internet. Did you know WTP means “what’s the plan?” Why? What’s wrong with WTM? (“What’s the move.”) Yeah, I had to look that one up. It just goes to show that the internet’s language is constantly evolving. If you don’t keep up, you’ll get left behind.
Web 2.0 has formed a line of instant communication and connection between people all over the world. It has allowed for cultural food, slang, traditions, music, and more to be shared on a massive scale. While we mostly think of social media being the driving factor, we have instant access to international news and art through the web. Online communities are formed around cultural identities and interests and provide a safe space for connection. They provide opportunity for members to share personal anecdotes and educate others.
Furthermore, these connections allow for increased collaboration. As mentioned in class, content creation (more specifically digital writing), is a group effort. Take this article I’m writing right now. I’ve included other people’s images and websites. It’s almost impossible to create something great without using external resources. In fact, it’s not very smart either. It’s like artists using models and references to learn anatomy. If they didn’t, their work would look pretty wonky. It’s much easier to learn from each other with Web 2.0.
That’s what keeps us coming back, isn’t it? The connections we create with others, the freedom to express ourselves through social and digital media, and the super interesting Wikipedia entry that takes us down a rabbit hole at 2 A.M. Although sometimes it may feel like it, the internet is not our enemy. It’s simply a tool, and we get to choose how we use it.
Even so, sometimes it gets away from us. It’s not hard to get swept up in the fast-paced environment of Web 2.0 with the abundance of information, content, and people. It can be overwhelming and confusing. It’s possible to become trapped in an echo chamber, fooled by misinformation, or confused by slang and emojis. However, there is a silver lining. The internet provides us with opportunities to grow, learn, create, and connect. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of how you spend your time online. Make sure to present yourself well, fact check seedy claims, and take advantage of useful resources.
These factors combined create your digital citizenship. Basically, it’s how you navigate the online world. It’s like a digital footprint, but bigger. It’s not just what you post on the internet, it’s how you use it. Be responsible, aware, and critical. This holds true for everyone, no matter how involved you are online. Web 2.0’s influence on our society and culture will only continue to grow. Don’t get left behind!
