The Differences Between Web2 and Web3
Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg epitomizes Web 2.0 and the centralization of power and control that has become the norm of social media and Big Tech companies like Amazon, Google and Twitter.
by Eric Forst, Co-founder & CEO of Blocksee
Most consumers understand that Web 1.0 was the era of AOL and Netscape. So, what’s the difference between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0?
Web 2.0 refers to the current version of the web, which emphasizes user-generated content, social networks, and online communities. It is characterized by the ability for users to interact and collaborate with each other, and for developers to create new applications and services on top of existing platforms. Web 2.0 technologies include social media, blogs, wikis, and cloud computing.
One of the biggest issues with Web 2.0 is the centralization of power and control in the hands of a few large companies. This centralization has led to a number of concerns, such as data privacy and security, censorship, and inequality in terms of access to information and resources. Additionally, the centralized nature of many Web 2.0 platforms has led to the creation of "filter bubbles" where users are only exposed to information and perspectives that align with their existing beliefs and interests. This can limit exposure to diverse perspectives and perpetuate misinformation. Another issue is the lack of control and ownership of creative content and user data by the users themselves, and the way it is being monetized by the companies.
Web 3.0, also known as the decentralized web, is the next generation of the internet, built on the principles of decentralization and blockchain technology. It aims to create a more open, transparent and secure internet by replacing centralized systems and intermediaries with decentralized networks and protocols. Web3 technologies such as blockchain, peer-to-peer networks, and smart contracts, enable users to have more control over their data and online activities, and to interact with each other directly, without the need for intermediaries.
One of the biggest challenges facing the development of Web3 is scalability. Decentralized systems, such as those built on blockchain technology, currently struggle to handle the same volume of transactions and data as centralized systems like the traditional web. This is due to the decentralized nature of these systems and the need for consensus among all participants in the network, which can slow down transaction processing times and limit the overall capacity of the network. Additionally, there are many technical and security challenges that need to be addressed for Web3 to be able to meet the needs of a wide range of users and use cases.
Web2 is centralized and Web3 is decentralized. Web2 is about creating and sharing content, Web3 is about creating and sharing value. Web2 is about connecting with people, Web3 is about connecting with things. Web2 is about applications, Web3 is about protocols.
Many Web3 companies that continue to build through the current crypto winter are focused on solving the core problems of content and data ownership. At Blocksee, we’re helping creators and marketers reach new audiences and build communities in Web3 using the same types of tools and dashboards they’re used to using in Web2. Helping Web2 brands transition to Web3 is critical for the continued growth and success of the decentralized web.
User experiences should not have to rely on already owning a crypto wallet or knowing the arcane jargon and technical terminology popular among Web3 natives. For Web3 to succeed, the power of blockchain and smart contracts to help creators and brands better monetize their content and data must be as seamless and easy to use as the web browsers that fueled the growth of Web 1.0 or the social media apps that powered Web 2.0.
