I’ve always wondered: from static web pages to social media to… what will be the next breakthrough?
Or will there even be another breakthrough? It seems like we have achieved the technology’s maturity stage. There will be improvements, but no breakthrough will occur. Web3 has perfectly answered these questions (and it is likely to be that next breakthrough). Why am I saying that? Let me explain, but first, let’s understand what Web3 actually is.
I will avoid the technical jargon and put it in the simplest way: it is a form of internet that will be managed and run by you if you are part of a tech community. If you look at the current state of the internet, it is owned and managed by a few big tech giants. What goes on behind the scenes and how it is being run is a totally different story when compared to Web3.
The new internet system will be decentralized, which means the control will be in the hands of the users. Also, another cool thing about Web3 is that it will be like a transparent network built on nodes. If one node is changed, it will be reflected throughout the network, which practically eliminates any risks of scams and fraud.
It will be super helpful for the end users, and the monopoly will be eliminated. If that sounds interesting to you, too, hop on as I will be exploring Web3 in detail in this blog.
- From Web1 to Web3: The History of the Web
- How Web3 is Changing the Way We Use the Internet
- The Benefits of Web3 for Everyday Users
From Web1 to Web3: The History of the Web
Before we talk about the changes that Web3 is bringing, I think it’s worth taking a look at how the web has evolved into what it is today. So, here you go:
Web1: Read-only (1990s) — This was the era of dial-up, static websites, and the occasional “Under Construction” GIF. Back then, the internet was basically a digital library. You’d type in a web address, read what was on the page, and leave. No comments, no likes, no memes. It was revolutionary at the time, but also pretty one-way.
Web2: Read-write (2000s–present) — Then came social media; your first ever comment on your friend’s Facebook post. This was the time when you had a reliable internet near you, you could not just read but also post, comment, upload, and even go viral. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube — they turned everyone into a creator. But here’s the trade-off: these platforms owned your data, decided the rules, and monetized your content. You got the fame, they got the fortune, and that’s what Web3 can change with the flip of the script.
Web3: Read-write-own — Now comes the next evolution: Web3. Imagine having all the interaction and creativity of Web2, but with the big difference that you actually own what you create, and no single company controls it. It’s like getting your keys back to your own digital house. And that’s so cool.
How Web3 is Changing the Way We Use the Internet
Now is the time to address the elephant in the room. So, what does “owning the internet” actually mean in practice? Let me break it down into ways you might already interact online and how Web3 changes everything.
· Ownership of Digital Assets
This is probably one of the first things people hear about Web3, and for good reason.
In the current state of the internet, your digital life is rented. Your Instagram posts? Technically, theirs. And that rare Fortnite skin? That is literally stuck in one account and one game. You don’t really own it.
Enter NFTs (non-fungible tokens) that change everything that was wrong with the previous state of the digital assets. These are unique digital certificates of ownership that you control. So, when you buy a digital painting, a song, a collectible, or even a ticket to an event, it’s yours and you can prove it on the blockchain. No middleman can delete it or take it away, which is another pulse point.
The gaming and metaverse worlds are making it even better. Now you can own in-game weapons, clothing, virtual land, and even entire buildings, and later resell them if you need to. Imagine playing a game for hours, building something amazing, and being able to actually cash it out. Isn’t that great?
· Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
Money is another area where Web3 completely changes the rules of the game that are established but not played by big monopolies.
Right now, your money is likely in a bank. They decide what you can do, when you can do it, and charge fees along the way. With Decentralized Finance (DeFi), you interact directly with other people without banks or institutions in the middle.
You can lend your crypto and earn interest, borrow against your assets, trade currencies, invest in decentralized funds, and do tons more great stuff all from your wallet, 24/7, without waiting for approval.
What I find cool is how accessible this makes things for people who might not even have access to traditional banks. In a way, DeFi could open financial freedom to millions who’ve been left out of the system. So, Web3 should be implemented and adapted as soon as possible.
· User-Owned Identities & Data Privacy
This is one of the underrated, but I think most important, changes that Web3 brings to the table.
Right now, you have to create a new account and password for every site you use, and each one collects data about you, sells it, and sometimes even leaks it (by mistake or intentionally to earn some bucks). You’re basically handing over pieces of your digital existence to dozens of companies without having much control over it.
It doesn’t happen with Web3. With decentralized identifiers (DIDs), you can own a single digital identity that’s related to you, not to a company. This means you can prove who you are, control what data you share, and revoke access anytime. It’s called self-sovereign identity, and it gives you back control over something we’ve all kind of forgotten we gave away: our online selves.
· New Online Communities (DAOs)
Here’s one of the most fascinating things about Web3: DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations).
To make understanding easier, you can think of a DAO as a mix between a group chat, a company, and a co-op, but with no CEO. People come together around a shared goal, pool their funds, and vote on decisions.
Then there are DAOs for creators who want to fund new art projects, for investors backing startups, for charities and social causes, and even for managing digital towns in the metaverse. There is so much more, but the idea is simple: if you contribute, you get a say. No single person has all the power. Which, honestly, feels fantastic when compared to the traditional hierarchy we’re all used to.
· Content Creation & Monetization
If you’ve ever posted a video that got thousands of views and earned you really nothing, you’ll understand why Web3 is such a big deal for creators. As I write this, platforms decide who gets paid, how much, and when, and at the end, they take a cut of almost everything.
With blockchain-based social networks and tipping systems, creators can earn directly from their audience. No ads, no middlemen, just pure support from the people who enjoy your work.
And NFTs open up even more possibilities. Musicians selling albums as NFTs, writers minting chapters of books, even influencers creating collectible moments. If you make something, you keep the ownership and, most importantly, the profits.
The Benefits of Web3 for Everyday Users
Let’s say you are a normal internet user, so why should you care about all this? Well, because Web3 has the potential to make your online life better in ways you’ll actually benefit:
- You’ll have more privacy and control over your personal data.
- You can cut out middlemen and lower costs on everything from fees to commissions.
- You can truly own your digital identity and assets — no more “rented” accounts.
And you can actually participate in governance, having a say in the communities and platforms you’re part of. It’s not just for techies or crypto enthusiasts, but it’s for anyone who’s ever thought, Shouldn’t the internet work better for me?
To conclude, Web3 is more than just fancy tech or buzzwords. It’s about giving you ownership, privacy, and a say in how things work online. So why not start exploring? Learn, experiment, or maybe help shape the future of the internet.