If you’ve been on the internet this year, you’ve probably seen Web 3.0 or web3 many times in tweets and posts. Here’s a quick primer to help you understand what everyone is talking about.
Let’s start at the beginning with Web 1.0
In the beginning most people only consumed content on the web. Content creation was the domain of a select few with the specialised tools and skills to put their ideas on the web.
Then came Web 2.0
Eventually the technology evolved and it became much easier. In fact, the very nature of the web changed: it became about everyone sharing their ideas and interests with other people, both in public and private communities. Web 2.0 is/was the social internet.
Now we are experiencing the emergence of Web 3.0
There are currently two future visions of the web, and they are both emerging at the same time.
Web 3.0 v1: The Decentralised Web
In earlier iterations of the web, key pieces of infrastructure and platforms were centrally owned and operated by corporate entities. Some have questioned the power and influence of these entities. In addition, the criticism has been made that individual creators and contributors to these platforms have not always been fairly compensated. The decentralised web is a vision that changes all of this by spreading power and control across networks (e.g. blockchains). These networks also make it easier to verify ownership which makes it easier to compensate creators and owners.
Web 3.0 v2: The Spatial Web
Another future vision of the web involves spatial immersion. Imagine speaking to a hologram of your mum where it feels just like she is sitting on the couch next to you, or looking at a tree in a park and the species of tree along with other information being outlined by your voice assistant. We are heading to a web that jumps off the screen and surrounds you.
What is really exciting is that Web 3.0 defies precise definition because it is still emerging, and you can be part of creating it!
Got questions? Feel free to drop your questions in the comments below.
