Web 3

Evolution of the Web

The Web has gone through different stages over the years. The Web is divided into three stages: Web 1.0, Web 2.0 and Web 3.0.

What is Web 1.0?

Web 1.0 is the first stage of the Web. It was developed by Berners Lee, a computer scientist at CERN. In 1990, the first WorldWideWeb.app, HTML, URL, and HTTP were created.

Web 1.0 comprised sites that offered static content instead of dynamic HTML. Web 1.0 lasted approximately from 1991 to 2004.

In Web 1.0, users only consumed content, while content creators were usually developers who uploaded text or images to websites.
 

What is Web 2.0?

Web2.0 is the current second generation of the World Wide Web. It is the phase of the Web where interaction and social web takes place. Over the past two decades, interactive and user-generated web pages of Web 2.0 have replaced the non-interactive web pages of Web 1.0.

The Web 2.0 is actually the current version of the internet we all are familiar with. In Web 1.0, developers were the only content producers, but at this stage, everyone is a content producer. You can share the desired content, thoughts, blogs, vlogs or videos with the world. Additionally in Web 2.0, these user-generated content are seen by millions of people worldwide at the same time.
 

What is Web 3.0?

Web 3.0 is the latest and third generation of the World Wide Web. Web 3.0, consisting of decentralization, openness, and consumer benefits, is a new phase in internet development. Typically known as Web 3, Web 3.0 is referred to as the next step in the development of the internet.

Web 3.0, which translates what is written accurately through text, voice, or media, understands what is said, and ensures that the consumed content is personalized, is just as important as Web 2.0.

There are some predictions about the future of Web 3.0. These predictions include:

• Blockchain technology will enable users to communicate directly with each other.
• Web 3.0 applications and services will increasingly be supported by blockchains, crypto assets, artificial intelligence and metadata resources.
• User data will be protected via an open network of smart contracts. These contracts will be stored on a blockchain.
• All transactions will be tracked in a distributed ledger and data transfers will be distributed from the center.
• Revenues obtained from the Metaverse will significantly increase.
• Blockchain technology will protect users' PII information.
• Users will be able to create NFTs anytime and instantly.
• With Web 3.0, users will be able to sell their data and keep ownership control. Thus, users will be able to earn income from their data. This data will be produced by cell phones, desktop computers and devices.

Key Features of Web 3.0

Here is a list of Web 3.0 features:

• Web 3.0 uses a semantic web. Semantic web is associations designed for humans and software to understand each other. It enables people to produce, share and connect material via search and analysis.
• Web 3.0 uses machine learning and artificial intelligence. With the help of natural language processing technologies, Web 3.0 allows machines to speak and behave similar to humans. The recently popular ChatGPT is an example of this.
• Shows how the internet of things connects various devices and applications (IoT) to each other.
• Allows users to interact openly or privately.
• Uses 3D graphics in computer games, virtual tours and even e-commerce applications.
• Decentralization is foregrounded.
• Using Web 3.0 technologies, information can be stored in many different locations at the same time.

Web 3.0 Terms and Key Applications

Web 3.0 has a wide range of products and services:

• NFT: Non-Fungible Token (NFT), in Turkish means "Unchangeable Token". NFT is a digital asset that has a value and does not have another equivalent.
• DeFi: DeFi, meaning decentralized finance, is the name given to decentralized financial structures that are not dependent on any center or authority. It is used on public blockchains, including Ethereum.
• Cryptocurrency: Digital assets used as virtual currency and do not exist in any physical form. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum emerged with Web 3.0 applications.
• dApp: dApp is the abbreviation for decentralized applications. It operates on blockchain or P2P (peer-to-peer) networks.

Examples of Web 3.0

Web 3.0 is currently used in various applications such as education, social networking and messaging. For example, if you want to check what products are in your refrigerator at home, you can examine the products inside your refrigerator using the application on your smart device.

One of the apps using Web 3.0 technology is Siri. You can quickly reach the person you want to call, learn the daily weather, and even have Siri initiate your internet searches by using Apple's Siri. Siri uses voice recognition software, which is an important component of Web 3.0. Other personal assistants communicate and share information using voice recognition technology just like Siri.

Another application using Web 3.0 technology is Steemit. You can earn rewards by using Steemit, a social networking site created with blockchain technology. Content creators or bloggers are rewarded with cryptocurrencies when they contribute content to the site. This is an application where the Web3 platform comes to life.
 

What are the Benefits of Web 3.0? 

• Data security and data encryption are guaranteed with Web 3.0 technology.
• Data can be accessed from anywhere and any device.
• Data is also stored in a backup server. So even if data servers crash, users can access their data from the backup server.
• Most block chain systems are being developed by non-profit organizations. This creates a collaborative and open development environment.
• Web 3.0 helps in problem-solving.

What are the Disadvantages of Web 3.0?

• When Web 3.0 technology is fully implemented, the validity of previous technologies will not apply.
• Web 3.0 technology is smarter and more efficient compared to previous technologies. However, for now, this technology is not fully ready for widespread use.
• Thanks to Web 3.0, one can access a user's information more easily. This means that privacy is more important than ever.

Layers of Web 3.0

Web 3.0 consists of four layers. These layers are as follows:

1. Edge Computing - A distributed IT architecture that brings computing resources as close to the source as possible from cloud applications and data centers. In Turkish, it is translated as edge computing. It allows data to be processed, analyzed, and stored close to where they are generated, providing fast, real-time analysis and response.
2. Decentralized data networks - In Web 3.0, there is no center for the data, making users the owners of their data.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms have started to make extremely consistent predictions. They are learning and developing day by day.
4. Blockchain - Blockchain; is a database system consisting of interconnected blocks.

How Will Web 3.0 Change Our Lives?

With Web 3.0, websites will automatically adapt to our device and location and provide much more personalized results. Meaning the user will encounter a customized browsing process. For instance, in terms of advertising, the user will face the product or service that they really need.

Web 3.0 will affect our lives with its enhanced search feature. This will be a great convenience for the user. In addition, with Web 3.0, the user will encounter an advanced application interface. The advanced and easy application interface will offer an improved experience for users.
 

Web 3.0 and Metaverse

The Metaverse refers to a virtual environment that users can access via the internet. It is a virtual environment designed as expanded reality. Expanded reality is the combination of augmented, virtual, and mixed reality.

Nowadays, people interact with each other through social media platforms and messaging apps. With Web 3.0 technology and the Metaverse, users will interact with other users using their own "characters. This will enable people to experience 3D on the internet. Users will not only watch the content but will also interact in the virtual environment as if they were living it in reality.

In the future, Web 3.0 technology and the Metaverse will be used together in all areas of society. Here, Web 3.0 has a big role because Web 3.0 will be used to turn the Metaverse into reality.