Web3 meme three doors for decentral publishingWeb3, Web 3.0, or the decentralized internet, whatever you want to call it, isn’t springing from nothing. It all started with Web1 back in the 90s. Today, we’re balls-deep in Web2, but there are important reasons why it’s high time we put major work into building Web3.

Web1 was called the static web because it was read-only. Web2 is called the dynamic web because it’s interactive. Web3 is called the semantic web or the spatial web because it uses AI for natural language processing, the internet of things, and decentralization to bring the internet irl.

There are, of course, much more in-depth explanations of the differences between Web1, 2, and 3 for all the tech nerds out there. But sometimes you don’t want to dive that deep. Sometimes you just want the basic idea and maybe a laugh. After all, maybe the real treasure of learning about new tech was the memes we made along the way.

Web 1Web3 meme send tweet for decentral publishing

Web1 was mostly read-only, meaning most content was only published by website owners, not internet users.

Web2Web3 meme about content for decentral publishing

Web2 is highly interactive, meaning users can create and share content, not just read it.

Web3Web3 meme server node for decentral publishing

Web3 rebuilds internet infrastructure so that centralized companies don’t own all data in one place or hold tight control on permissions to use applications and sites.

Conclusion

The vision for Web3 is to keep all of the cool and exciting things that we can do on Web2 and add to them, but rebuild the architecture so the databases are decentralized. Using blockchain technology to distribute the information across many people, the internet can’t be controlled, censored, or profited from by giant, controlling companies. 

One day, everyone’s phones and devices can be server nodes and wearables will bring the internet into real life. There are still some hurdles for speed and scalability, but Web3 is coming and Web2 will become just as historic as Web1.

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Michael Hearne

Michael Hearne is the CEO of Decentral Publishing and the host of the Uncensored Crypto docuseries.