The evolution of the internet has been a relatively slow and steady one. Over the last few decades, it has developed from stage to stage and become an indispensable tool for accessing information, connecting with others, and conducting business.

In this article, we will learn about the three major stages of the internet's evolution: Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0. We will discuss their characteristics, how they were different from each other and key examples of each stage.

Web 1.0: The Static Web

Web 1.0 is often referred to as the "read-only web," and was the first stage of the internet. It was so named because it was characterised by static websites that were primarily used to provide information. Users could access these websites to read information, but they could not interact with the content.

Web 1.0 laid the foundation for the internet and made information accessible to a global audience. However, its limitations in user interaction and dynamic contentfw94 is what set the stage for the next phase of internet evolution.

Characteristics of Web 1.0:

* Static content

* Read-only

* Limited user interaction

* Simple design and functionality

* Primarily used for information dissemination

* Content created by website owners or webmasters

Examples of Web 1.0 websites:

* Britannica Online

* Geocities

* Yahoo! Directory

Web 2.0: The Dynamic and Interactive Web

The coming of Web 2.0 meant a shift from a read-only web to a more interactive web. It introduced dynamic, user-generated content, and social media platforms. Users became active participants in the online experience, creating content, sharing information, and connecting with others.

Web 2.0 democratised the internet, giving us more control over the content we consume and the ability to engage with others online. It fostered the growth of social media, online communities, and e-commerce.

Characteristics of Web 2.0:

* Dynamic content

* User-generated content (UGC)

* Social media platforms

* Web applications

* Collaborative and interactive environment

* Focus on user experience and usability

Examples of Web 2.0 platforms:

* Facebook

* Twitter

* YouTube

* Wikipedia

* WordPress

Web 3.0: The Semantic and Decentralised Web

Web 3.0, often referred to as the "semantic web" or "decentralised web", is the current evolution of the internet and is still in its early stages of development. It involves a more intelligent and autonomous internet where machines can understand and interpret information in a way that is close to human understanding.

Web 3.0 aims to address the limitations of Web 2.0, such as data privacy concerns, centralised control of platforms, and the lack of interoperability between different applications. It seeks to create a more open, secure, and user-centric internet.

Characteristics of Web 3.0:

* Decentralisation

* Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)

* User-centric and data-driven

* Blockchain technology

* Data ownership

Examples of Web 3.0 technologies:

* Filecoin

* Ethereum

* Brave Browser

Conclusion

Each phase of the internet has brought significant advancements to our digital world. As Web 3.0 continues to improve, we hold the promise of an even more intelligent, interconnected, and personalised internet experience.