web x.0 and capitalism 09.28.24

I think this is maybe a bit of a different take than the one I’m reading in ‘the history of the internet in byte sized chunks’. There it references Darcy denucci in 1999 who coined the term Web 2.0 and the characteristics of it. An interactive internet, an expansive internet, an internet that’s accessible through all sorts of media.

The web was created originally as a government idea, as most expansive ideas are in the 20th century. But then it grew and was created to be a collection of hobbyist innovations due to its access and incubation at the world’s leading universities. It was led by young people across the world (primarily the US) who molded the bricks in which we stand on today. As access expanded, disingenuous actors were able to enter the space. As man does, we ascribed value to frontiers and capitalism gained a foothold. The transition from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 became clear through the lens of the individual losing control.

The framing of the dawn of Web 3.0 becomes interesting from there. The idea is simple, taking the internet and handing it back to the people. Where under the auspices of Web 3.0, the average user can participate in the boom of capitalism on the internet through technologies such as the blockchain and others alike. The idea is simple, but it is rushed and there are too many disingenuous actors, by the very existence of capitalism, to ensure that the transfer of power is possible. The current ‘web 3.0’ that exists today is the perceived movement forwards, but it is only the transfer of power from one giant to another. The old giant still stands as well.

I believe we’re standing in a web 2.5. Tools have been created, but literacy is lacking in order for the common man to participate in the internet in an equal stance.

I believe that, in order for the internet to truly enter its 3rd generation, there needs to be a cultural shift in internet literacy for an individual to navigate it on their own. There will always be deep holes where enthusiasts live, but I don’t think we’re quite ready for access equally for all denizens.