From Web2 to Web3 Embracing the Future of the Internet

Introduction

Since the World Wide Web (also known as the Internet) was first introduced to the world in the form of Web1, the Internet (or simply the web) has undergone tremendous changes. With the rapid development of technology and the constant evolution of user needs, the web is also gradually evolving. In the Web1 era, people could only simply browse and consume content, with very limited interactive functions. With the advent of Web2, driven by the popularization of smartphones and the surge in mobile internet access, users can not only consume content, but also create and share their own content. And now, with the rise of the Web3 concept, the internet is moving towards a completely new future. In this version, users can not only consume and create content, but also truly own them, achieving greater autonomy and control.

A Brief History of the Internet

Web1 - ‘read-only’ network

Web1, also known as the first generation of the Internet, is an early form of the Internet, mainly dominated by a “read-only” format. Its main feature is static web pages, with content created by developers or administrators, and users can only browse and access information, without the ability to interact or edit. The technical foundation of Web1 is mainly HTML, with fixed page content, usually consisting of text, images, and hyperlinks, and the website structure is relatively simple. Due to the lack of interactive functions, users’ online experience is mainly through clicking links to navigate to other pages, browsing news, articles, and other information. Most websites during this period are one-way information publishing platforms, and users cannot make any changes to the content or participate in it. Disadvantages of Web1:

1. Lack of interactivity: Users can only browse web pages and cannot comment, share, or upload content, resulting in a relatively single and passive online experience.
2. Slow content updates: The web page needs to be manually updated by the administrator, and cannot provide real-time or frequent updates of content, resulting in poor timeliness of information.
3. Low user engagement: Content is completely controlled by a few providers, and users have no opportunity to create or customize content, resulting in a limited online experience.

Web2 - “Read-Write” Network

Web2, also known as the second generation of Internet, is an upgrade and extension of Web1. Unlike Web1, which only allows users to browse content, Web2 gives users the ability to participate in and create content, transforming the Internet from a “read-only” mode to a “read-write” mode. Typical Web2 applications such as social media, blogs, and video sharing platforms enable users to generate and share their own content. With the advancement of technology, the development of technologies such as JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3 has made web pages more dynamic and interactive. Users can comment, like, and share on different platforms, greatly enhancing the richness and interactivity of the online experience. Web2 solves the problem of low user participation and insufficient interactivity in Web1. Users are no longer just passive recipients of information, but contributors to Internet content. Improvements to Web2:

1. User-generated content: Social media, blogs, and other platforms allow users to generate and publish their own content, greatly enriching the information and resources on the Internet.
2. Real-time Content Update: Through dynamic page and database technology, content can be updated instantly, allowing users to obtain the latest information and feedback. Drawbacks of Web2:
3. Centralized control: Although users can generate content, platforms and services are still controlled by a few large companies, and user data and privacy are often subject to commercial exploitation.
4. Data privacy issues: User-generated content and data are often stored on centralized servers, posing risks of privacy breaches and data abuse.
5. Platform Dependency: Users’ content and influence depend on specific platforms. Once the platform is closed or rules are changed, users may lose control and income.

Web3 – “autonomous” networks

Web3, also known as the third generation of the Internet, is a further development of Web2, aiming to address the centralization and data privacy issues in Web2. Web2 relies on a few large platforms, while Web3 leverages blockchain, Decentralizationprotocol, and Smart Contract technologies to enable users to truly control their own data and digital asset. In Web3, users can not only generate and consume content, but also own and control their own data, no longer relying on centralized platforms. Through Decentralization applications (DApps), users can transact and interact without relying on intermediaries, and have greater autonomy and privacy protection. Web3 addresses the centralization control and data privacy issues in Web2, providing users with a fairer and more transparent Internet experience. Improvements of Web3:

1. Decentralization: Web3 uses blockchain technology to transfer control from centralized platforms to users, eliminating the reliance on intermediary institutions.
2. Data sovereignty: Users can control their own data through encryption technology to prevent the platform from abusing or selling data, enhancing privacy protection.
3. Ownership of digital assets: Through smart contracts and blockchain, users can own digital assets (such as cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens), and directly trade them, without relying on third-party platforms.

Web2 vs Web3

The main differences between web3 and web2 can be summarized as follows:

• Data Ownership: In web3, users own their own data and can decide how to use, share, or monetize it. In web2, users transfer data rights to the platform, which often uses the data for its own profit, such as reselling it to a large number of third parties for marketing purposes.
• Data Security: In web3, data is stored on a distributed network, which is more resistant to attacks and tampering. Data access is protected by encryption mechanisms. In web2, data is stored on centralized servers, which are vulnerable to hacker attacks and data leaks.
• Data Privacy: In web3, users can use pseudonyms, encryption, and Zero-Knowledge Proof to protect their identities and privacy. In web2, users are tracked and analyzed by platforms and third parties, which can access and sell users’ personal information.
• Data Sovereignty: In web3, users can control their own data and have access to and interact with any data or services on the open network without censorship or restrictions. In web2, users are limited by platform rules and policies, which can prohibit, restrict, or manipulate them.
• Data Value: In web3, users can directly create and exchange value with Cryptocurrency, Token, and Smart Contract. In web2, users rely on platforms to facilitate transactions and capture most of the value.

Web3 is not just a technological upgrade, but also a paradigm shift that empowers users and makes the Internet more democratic, fair, and innovative. Web3 is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to change various industries and fields such as finance, media, Social Web, gaming, education, healthcare, etc.