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What is Web 3.0? Examples, features, and applications
Web 3.0, also known as ‘the intelligent web’ employs the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, semantic web, and natural language search for providing an intuitive user experience.
Web 3.0 applications and features are still evolving and there is no such statement yet on web 3.0 maturing. The shift from web 2.0 to 3.0 is happening and is in process. Web 3.0 has a scope that is incredibly immense.
What exactly is Web 3.0?
In the years to come, there is a power shift from big companies, such as Youtube and Facebook to users is likely to happen.
Web 3.0 could be described as a decentralized, 3rd iteration of the internet using machine learning and artificial intelligence. While Web 3.0 is not here completely, it will cause a ripple effect upon arrival.
In order to fully understand Web 3.0, we will have to take a closer look at Web 1.0 and 2.0.
Web 1.0
Web 1.0 can be described as the first iteration of the web today where only personal websites existed. The purpose of this was merely to search and read relevant information. The element of user interaction and content generation was not focused upon much.
Web 2.0
Web 2.0 can be considered as the 2nd iteration of today’s web which has moved a step further from read-only websites and focuses more on content generation and user interaction. The era is comprised of users producing content and distributing it through social media platforms and/or communities.
What does the evolution of the web look like?
Web 1.0 (1990 – 2000)
Users mostly consumed information from read-only websites.
Web 2.0 (2001-2011)
This saw a shift to responsive websites which hosted user-generated content that could be shared. However, full interaction of users and sharing of content was still restructured.
Web 3.0 (2011-present)
Uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to bring forth accurate results within the context of user search.
Useful Web 3.0 Examples:
Applications and features of Web 3.0
Decentralized and open – This means that no third party is involved guaranteeing full autonomy for all users.
No Control – Users do not require the authority of the governing authorities while using the web.
Semantic Web – Marks an improvement in web technologies for connecting, sharing and creating content through search and then consequent analysis instead of numbers, tagging or using simple keywords.
Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence – This distinguishes information, much like humans do, and gives more relevant and faster results.
3-D Graphics – 3 Dimensions designs usage in websites, eCommerce, games, etc
Ubiquity and Connectivity – Devices connected with the web can be used anywhere while semantic metadata connects the information.
What makes Web 3.0 better than its predecessors?
Web 3.0 guarantees that no intermediaries or government agencies will be interfering in the censorship of content and its subsequent sharing unlike Web 1.0 and Web 2.0.
Web 3.0 allows the best possible results to be achieved and accessed easily. Machine Learning based voice searches make searchings convenient and easier. It also improves the personalization, sharing of content, and data distribution when we consider the prominent shift in the way that we search on the web, whether it is shopping online or interacting on social media platforms.
Downsides Of Web 3.0?
If decentralization is considered to be true, then there will definitely be an increase in cybercrimes, online harassment, abuse, etc
We stated earlier that due to Web 3.0, users will be in control of their data as opposed to the government or corporations taking ownership. This is not true.
According to the former CEO of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, regular users will not have the control and instead, venture capitalists will which means that there will be a centralized control of users’ data.
Final Verdict
While Web 3.0 is powered by decentralization, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, blockchain, and edge computer, Web 2.0 is driven by mobile, cloud and social technologies.
The goal for Web 3.0 lies in being able to build more connected and decentralized website services and applications. In the transition from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0, the web is already reshaping our experiences. By this point, it is safe to assume that Web 3.0 will dictate not only how websites are developed by also how people interact with the web.