What are the differences and similarities between Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0?

The advent of the World Wide Web transformed how we went about our lives, beginning with Web 1.0. We could access millions of web pages, check our email anytime, and consume live news 24×7. Web 1.0 was followed by Web 2.0, marked by interactive social platforms and user-generated content. Now we are on the verge of Web 3.0—possibly the most disruptive version of the internet. Here, we compare and differentiate Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0 in an attempt to grasp what this evolution means for our future.

What is Web 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0?

Broadly speaking, Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0 refer to the three versions of the World Wide Web. Versions apart, the web as a whole is the information system that makes documents and other resources available on the internet. We’ve encountered the first two versions of the web in our day-to-day lives already. The third is the new and yet upcoming version.

Web 1.0

The first version of the World Wide Web is called Web 1.0. The introduction of web browsers such as Netscape Navigator heralded the era of the first version in the mid-90s. The term Web 1.0, though, didn’t appear until the term Web 2.0 was coined by web designer Darci DiNucci in 1999.

Web 1.0 was specifically designed to help people find data more efficiently. It comprised pages containing content for a large group of readers. These pages were usually filled with facts, information, and references from other sources. Consumers looked for content, and information providers created web pages displaying the content consumers were looking for.

The key difference between Web 1.0 and the internet of today is that the former was a read-only web. It lacked visuals, controls, and graphics. So users could only receive information on it; they couldn’t really interact with it the way we do now. For the most part, Web 1.0 was used for email and real-time news.

To sum it up, here are some other characteristics of Web 1.0:

• Web pages were largely static and connected through hyperlinks.
• Frames and tables are used to position and align the elements on a page.
• The content largely comprised the written word but also featured GIFs.
• No support for viewer interaction.

Web 2.0

The web you’re on right now…that’s Web 2.0. Everything from TikTok to the sudoku puzzle you solve online each morning is a Web 2.0 product.

Those who designed this version naturally wanted to address the issues with Web 1.0. So, as you know, people can interact with other users in Web 2.0. And as a matter of fact, this version of the web was tailor-made to serve a growing audience that wants to contribute to the internet. So, to sum it up, the unique thing about Web 2.0 is that it is:

• By users: This form of the web relies on user-generated content.
• For users: The fact that much of the content is user generated ensures user access to a much larger pool of information, ease of use, and compatibility with other systems and devices. So much so that today, Web 2.0 has become all about the user experience. It features videos, graphics, a lot of colors, and animations too.

Since more people could participate in and interact with other people on it, Web 2.0 became the breeding ground for social media, dialogue, collaborations, and communities.

Web 2.0 relies on JavaScript frameworks that allow it to develop the browser technologies needed.

In conclusion, Web 2.0 has dynamic and interactive content, and it promotes self-usage and high levels of contribution. It also helps users to collectively and freely retrieve and organize data. Social media channels, podcasts, blogging—pretty much everything on the internet we use today became possible due to Web 2.0.

Web 3.0

The 3.0 version of the Web is believed to be the future of the internet. It is all about decentralization. It is a space where people can come together and interact with each other in a permissionless manner. In a world of data hoarders like Google, Facebook, and Twitter, Web 3.0 is our knight in shining blockchain. With crypto, NFTs, and distributed ledgers, it gives power (read ownership) back to users. Listed below are a few of the key features of Web 3.0:

1. Open: That means everyone has equal access to the web, and there are mechanisms to ensure that every person can contribute to decision-making.
2. Trustless: It operates based on incentives and economic mechanisms.
3. Decentralized: It isn’t controlled by third parties, such as tech giants, and central entities do not own it.

Key features of Web 3.0

Semantic web: The semantic web means a web that understands humans. Web 3.0’s search and analysis capabilities would focus more on understanding the meaning of words and the context in which they are used. The semantic web is undeniably superior in terms of the interpretation of data, numbers, or keywords. 

Artificial intelligence: Combining the capability of AI with natural language processing, Web 3.0 applications can distinguish information like humans, resulting in faster and more relevant results. They become more intelligent to meet the needs of users. For example, in Web 3.0, AI would prevent human-based corrupt practices such as manipulated data or biased product reviews.

Connectivity and ubiquity: Semantic metadata makes information more connected in Web 3.0. The content is accessible through multiple applications as every device is connected to the internet, and services can be used anywhere with no restrictions. 

3D Graphics: Spatial computing and 3D graphics are key Web 3 features. Many experts have dubbed Web3 the spatial web because it has the potential to break down barriers between the physical and virtual worlds. Web3 could aid in reimagining graphics technologies and facilitate interactions with the metaverse. 

Blockchain and smart contracts: Web 3 incorporates blockchain technology. Thanks to this, we can have a nearly impossible-to-hack database from which one can add value to the content and things they can own virtually. It enables a trustless society by integrating smart contracts, which eliminates intermediaries, and all transactions executed are based on data from that DLT. It makes Web 3.0 a powerful tool that has the potential to make the world a better place. 

Web 3.0 works by providing users with a virtual avatar that helps identify them on the internet, makes gaming more lucrative, allows for the formation of DAOs, and integrates decentralized payments. This version of the internet is what makes digital ledger technologies and smart contracts possible. Additionally, the metaverse has materialized due to Web 3.0. You can read more about it here.

The pros and cons of Web 3.0

Pros of Web 3.0

• Web 3.0 rewards users for their attention and allows users to own their data.
• It offers better graphics and user experiences.
• Version 3.0 provides transparency on how transactions happen and decisions are made.
• It is censorship-resistant.
• Web 3’s distributed nature allows you not to rely on centralized authorities for the execution of transactions.
• It can help improve productivity and aid in economic growth.

Cons of Web 3.0

• Web 3’s reliance on the blockchain, decentralized networks, and smart contracts makes it more difficult for the average user to comprehend than Web 2.0.
• Due to a lack of interoperability with Web2 applications, users must use both versions of the web until web3 applications dominate the internet.
• Web 3.0 is more difficult to regulate without a centralized authority.

Differences between Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0

Here are the major differences between Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0.

Web 1.0	Web 2.0	Web 3.0
Read-only web where users couldn’t interact with available information	Read-write web where everyone can contribute	The portable and personal web where information is secure and digital identities are a core element of internet usage
Mostly made up of web pages with text and a few images	Consists of interactive websites, animations, and communities that can interact with one another	This is where the content largely remains the same, but everything becomes decentralized
HTML / Portals	XML / RSS	RDF / RDFS / OWL
Works on banner advertising	Works largely on interactive advertising through a cost-per-click model	Based largely on behavioral advertising

In essence, the main difference between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 is in relation to how much interaction they facilitate. While Web 1.0 was mostly read-only, Web 2.0 is much more interactive. Web 2.0 and Web 3.0, on the other hand, differ in terms of how they treat personal information—who owns it and how it is put to use.

Similarities between Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0

Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0 are obviously very different versions of the world wide web. With every upgrade, internet users like us have access to something we didn’t before. But, on reflection, it is important to note that they’re all, essentially, helping you access the same thing—the internet.

To sum it up, there are two main similarities between them:

• All three versions allow the free dissemination of information across a large audience.
• They all have some form of advertising that helps them raise revenues (although advertising on Web 3.0 is still a matter of hot debate).

Conclusion

The world is now slowly adapting from a web that allows them to contribute to one that allows them to contribute safely. Data protection and ownership are a huge deal with Web 3.0.

Musicians and artists, for instance, can now skip expensive intermediaries when cultivating an online audience. Musicben.eth on Twitter is one among many artists to become popular via Web 3.0. But it’s not just indie artists like him. Back in September, musician Ariana Grande collaborated with the popular multiplayer game Fortnite to perform in the metaverse. Targeting fan markets has also become easier, while fans get to show off their loyalty.

Metaverse education is blowing up, too. Invact Metaversity, for example, started to help students interact and study together during the pandemic. It has since become a popular name in metaverse innovation.

These are, of course, some of the several uses of Web 3.0. With wider adoption, more and more development may be in the pipeline.

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