When to wait for Web 3.0 and its difference from Web 2.0

They started talking about a new stage in the development of the Internet Web 3.0 at the beginning of the 2000s, when they managed to fully realize the web space that we use now. The development of technology, the social, political and economic component has now made it possible to talk about the implementation of a new type of Internet, but first things first.

Three stages of development

Web 1.0

The first stage of development or Web 1.0 began in 1989 and lasted until 2005. It was characterized by the static nature of the Internet. In the nineties there was access to only limited information with little or no user interaction. There were no algorithms for filtering web pages, which made it extremely difficult for users to find the information they needed.

Web 2.0

The situation changed with the advent of the Social Web, or Web 2.0. Since 2005, the Internet has become much more interactive. This was facilitated by web technologies Javascript, HTML5, and CSS3 and others like them. With their help, web developers have been able to create dynamic pages that look more like complete programs. More technical capabilities led to the emergence of interactive web platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Wikipedia, which opened the way for the development of social networks and user-generated content.

Web 3.0

The characteristics of the next step in the evolution of Web 3.0 are increased technology, improved data security and decentralization, that is, the return of more power to users while maintaining the simplicity and accessibility of the Internet.

Features of Web 3.0

The concept of Web 3.0 involves the emergence of new social networks, search engines, trading platforms without regulatory companies. The main ones are metauniverses, blockchain technologies, cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.

Right now, Web 3.0 does not have a single definition, but it does have several defining aspects:

New features of the Internet

"Decentralization". The first can be called decentralization, which involves storing information in many places at the same time. Web 2.0 uses the HTTP protocol in the form of unique web addresses to search for information. It is stored in fixed locations on separate servers. Such servers are owned by large companies and, accordingly, companies like Facebook (now Meta) and Google, and are the actual owners of all the data on them. New technologies should solve this problem.

"Global Relations". All content and information on the web will become more ubiquitous and connected with Web 3.0. It will be accessed through a variety of applications and an increasing number of everyday devices connected to the Internet.

"Direct interaction without intermediaries". In addition to open source software and dispersed data storage, Web 3.0 will allow direct communication without trusted intermediaries. Also, anyone can participate without the permission of the governing bodies. As a result, applications will operate either on blockchains or peer-to-peer decentralized networks, or a combination of both (such applications are called Dapps).

"Artificial intelligence". An integral part of Web 3.0 is also machine learning and artificial intelligence. Natural language processing and technologies based on the concepts of the semantic web will allow computers to accurately recognize and “understand” the information that is found on the Internet. The widespread use of machine learning using data and algorithms that mimic human learning will also increase the effectiveness of AI. Thanks to new capabilities, computers will provide faster and more relevant results in many areas of activity. Starting with the development of drugs and ending with the creation of new materials.

Problems inherent in Web 3.0

Web 3.0 technologies and concepts will certainly bring many positive aspects to the development of the Internet. Moreover, due to the additional reality, they will be useful to users outside the network. But not everything is as smooth as we would like. It is possible to deploy a large-scale scheme for working with missing servers only with a complete revision of the entire system of the functioning of the Internet, including the data transfer protocol. But the world economy and the state of affairs around the world depend on this hulk, which is the modern World Wide Web. Therefore, a quick transition to new rails is hardly possible. In addition, global corporations are unlikely to want to give up leadership.

What conclusions can be drawn?

New technologies create new opportunities and allow cutting-edge ideas to be spoken and brought to life. Web 3.0 is one such concept. Its implementation will make life easier for ordinary users, guarantee better data protection and, at the same time, make the Internet more open. But it will take time to implement the necessary technologies and, most likely, Web 3.0 will not appear overnight. You will have to go through a certain stage of formation, which can take years.

In any case, progress does not stand still, and even now analysts at Grayscale Investments believe that the annual income of the Web 3.0 metaverse sector may reach $1 trillion in the near future. Experts note that metaverse platforms with cloud storage, decentralized management, integrated with virtual assets and DeFi services, NFT offer interesting online opportunities that attract a large number of users.