Web3 vs. Web 3.0: What’s the Difference?
Today, the internet is an unparalleled entity that enables billions of people to learn and connect with others. But it wasn’t always what we see now. It has undergone two major phases, and we are transitioning into the third phase.
The terminologies describing the first two phases of the internet have been undebatable (Web 1.0 and Web 2.0). But now, as we usher in the next phase, you might wonder what its proper term is. Is it Web3 or Web 3.0? To find out, let’s first revisit the history of the internet.
A Brief History of the Internet
Web 1.0 typically refers to the World Wide Web, invented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee.
Generally, the internet was a read-only online platform.
In the transition around 2004, Web 2.0 emerged as the second phase of the internet, moving from the static one-way communication medium into a dynamic and participatory online environment. Some of its features during this phase include;
Web 2.0 made the internet indispensable for billions of people. However, it’s not perfect. Its shortcomings have motivated innovations leading to the next phase of the Internet.
Web 3.0 is a concept that aligns with ideas proposed by Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, for the next generation of the web. It’s a more connected and intelligent online ecosystem where all your data is stored in one place, and you have complete control of who can access it.
Also referred to as the “Semantic Web,” it’s the version of the internet that adopts W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) standards aimed at enabling it to handle information with human-like intelligence. It’s poised to make it possible for users to connect all their online information through interlinking across different platforms.
In Web 3.0, data is stored in Solid Pods, which are personalized data repositories for users that enable seamless access, updating, or information sharing (though it is far from the only method for data storage; it’s just one that Berners-Lee visualized). Users need a WebID (similar to a crypto address) for identification and authorization to access data.
Web 3.0 is what Tim Berners-Lee envisioned as the next internet generation. Fortunately, his prediction wasn’t far from what the internet is currently transitioning into; Web3.
What Is Web3?
Web3 was coined in 2014 by Gavin Wood, the co-founder of Ethereum, to represent his vision of a better version of the internet that’s more decentralized and democratic. It is a retaliation to the current state, where a few tech companies strongly influence internet use and infrastructure.
Unlike the current online reality, Web3 introduces a peer-to-peer system that is more dependent on users' contributions to the network and infrastructure hence eliminating any monopolistic influence of a single party.
The backbone of Web3 isblockchain technology, the primary tech behind cryptocurrencies. Blockchain enables decentralization which ensures participants contribute to a network without the interference of a dominant player.
Another critical concept is trust. Currently, we trust corporations to have pure intentions with our data. That’s often not the case. Web3 aims to shift the internet to a “trustless” model where we depend on blockchain-based algorithms rather than corporations. Hence, we won’t have to trust a company but rather the technology itself.
Generally, Web3 development could pave the way to an online ecosystem where power is distributed more equitably among people, making it more transparent.
Before exploring the differences between Web3 and Web 3.0, it’s worth noting that both technologies have a shared mission: to create a version of the internet that’s better than what we currently use. Both concepts see the underlying concerns of Web 2.0 and want an improved version that takes us to the next level of civilization.
Also, both concepts want people to take full ownership and control of their data. Although they adopt different technologies, the user is poised to be the beneficiary of both systems. Hence, with either concept at the forefront, the next generation of the internet will create a more interconnected and user-centric online world.
Despite the similarities between Web3 and Web 3.0 in terms of what they want to achieve, there are a few differences.
It’s also worth noting that Web 3.0 has yet to attain mainstream popularity, while Web3 is currently more prominent due to its links to and usage of cryptocurrency and blockchain tech. As more ways to use blockchain technology come up daily, Web3 will likely define the next phase of the internet.
The Future of the Web
Web 3.0 and Web3 represent unique perspectives of the evolution of the internet. While one is mainly designed to improve the existing online system, the other adopts disruptive technology to enhance its capabilities. Both visions of the web are being developed even though one is currently more popular.
Ultimately, the version of the internet resulting from the contribution of technological innovations from both sides will be much better than the existing web. It will be pretty interesting to observe as the transition occurs.
Web 3.0 is the next phase of the internet’s evolution, but what technologies does it need to succeed?
This small feature makes a massive difference.
If an AI can roast you, it can also prep you for emergencies.
These are the best free movies I found on Tubi, but there are heaps more for you to search through.
The key is not to spook your friends with over-the-top shenanigans.
So much time invested, and for what?
