Web3 Forward: Trends and Predictions

Introduction

The internet has undergone significant transformations since its inception, evolving from a static information repository to an interactive, dynamic space. Web3 represents the next phase in this evolution, promising a decentralized and user-centric digital landscape. As we navigate through the complexities of Web3, it becomes essential to dissect the technologies underpinning it, understand its evolving ecosystem, and anticipate the future applications that will shape our online experiences. In the early days of the internet, often referred to as Web 1.0, the digital landscape was characterized by static, read-only web pages. These pages, powered by early versions of HTML and supported by data transmission protocols like TCP/IP, SMTP, and HTTP, allowed users to perform basic functions such as transferring data between applications, sending and receiving emails, and reading hypertext online (Choudhury, 2014).

However, despite the functional aspects, Web 1.0 faced notable challenges. One major hurdle was its highly technical nature, acting as a barrier for the average user to actively contribute to online content creation. The intricacies of web development made it a domain accessible primarily to those with technical expertise. Another significant limitation of this era was the absence of a mechanism to monetize content. Websites struggled to find viable ways to generate revenue, impacting their overall success. The dotcom bust of the late 90s served as a harsh reality check, revealing that the value propositions of websites needed to be more clearly defined and developed (McCormick, 2021). In observation, Web 1.0 can be seen as a foundational stage that laid the groundwork for the internet’s evolution. The challenges faced during this period prompted a shift towards more user-friendly interfaces, dynamic content creation, and innovative business models in subsequent phases of the internet’s development. The lessons learned during these early years continue to influence and shape the digital landscape we navigate today.

In the transition from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0, HTML improvements and the introduction of XML technology were pivotal. Web 2.0 addressed the web designer bottleneck by democratizing content creation. Now, anyone could actively participate in consuming and contributing to dynamic web pages and blogs. This transformative era led to the emergence of a platform economy dominated by tech giants like Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta (Facebook), and Microsoft, alongside smaller players. These platforms operated as walled gardens, tightly regulating user data and activities within their ecosystems (Kietzmann et al., 2011). While Web 2.0 facilitated greater accessibility and user engagement, it was not without its challenges. The centralized storage of data raised concerns about cybersecurity, privacy, and transparency issues along the supply chain. Unintended consequences highlighted the need for careful consideration and regulation in the rapidly evolving landscape of the internet. Web 2.0 marked a significant leap forward, yet it also brought forth complex issues that required thoughtful solutions (Demetis, 2020; Montecchi et al., 2019).