Learning about web3 can be frustrating for starters. Blogs, sometimes do not help issues. Instead of getting explanations about the concept of Web3 and what led to it, you get more confused. This is usually as a result of using technical jargons to explain the concept. In this article, you will learn about Web3 and how we got to Web3.

Before the World wide web was developed by Tim Berner Lee, the only way to gain real, first-hand information about things and situations was to either travel to that place or depend on hearsays. You will get information and even rumors about it but if you want to see it for yourself, you will have to leave your location to visit that place yourself.

There was no web to faciliate easy borderless sharing of information. That's the famous Queen Sheba had to travel to Israel to see and behold the glamor of Israel and the wealth of King Solomon for herself and by herself.

To watch the Gladiators fight in Rome, you have to visit Rome.

It was not a problem for the rich like Queen Sheba who had money to spend but research, Arts, Entertainment and literrally everything you can think about was costly and time-consuming.

That is a problem.

In 1989, Tim Berner Lee came up with the idea of a structure that would be hosted on the internet.

"Since we have something as beautiful as the internet, then, we could be connected. So I don't have to travel to Athens to learn about the Greeks and their philosophies. I should travel to Athens because I want to, not out of compulsion," he thought.

Tim's idea was to create a system that will enable the borderless sharing of information. With the internet, the idea was bound to succeed. It was not only addressing a problem, but it was also cost-effective and time-saving.

He began working on the idea. That idea turned out to be Web 1.0; the first version of the World Wide Web.

WEB 1.0 (1990 - 2004)

This version of the Web was introduced in 1990 and it lasted till 2004. In this version of the web, people could only read information. The use of this Web was limited only to companies, and it was static. People could not share their thoughts, fedback or opinion on a given subject.

At least, this was better than nothing. At least, it was a step in the right direction, but it was not the exact kind of thing Tim Berners had in mind. Something needed to be tweaked to make it better.

This further development birthed the Web2.

WEB 2 (2004 - present)

The Web 2 is the version of the web you are using right now. It was introduced in 2004.

You can create content, share it on social media platforms or websites and get feedback from others. You can share your perspective on topics that you are passionate about.

One of the biggest cons of this version of the Web is that it is centralized. It is owned by a group of individuals who determine what happens to who and what does not happen to who. The individuals here are the big Tech companies and the government.

You can easily get banned on social media apps like LinkedIn for violating their terms of use.

Your account could get banned or flagged.

When that happens, you lose everything.

Another challenge of this version of the Web is that you are at the mercy of Tech companies. Policies are made without your opinion. Whatever decision the Tech company takes is binding except if they decide to change it.

Another prominent challenge in Web 2 is the sale of users' data to companies.

The more you use a platform, over time the algorithm learns about you, and what you like. With this information handy, the kind of ads that will be displayed in your feed are only advertisements related to your interests.

The problem with this is that it's mostly without your permission.

This has even resulted to filing of several law cases against tech giants like Meta (formerly Facebook).

To solve these problems, Web 3 was developed.

WEB3 (THE FUTURE)

Web 3.0 is a decentralized version of the web. It is not owned by anyone. It is built on Blockchain Technology.

In this version of the, you get to determine who you give your data to, when, and how.

In Web 3, you will be able to do what you were able to do in Web 1 and Web 2 and so much more.

Conclusion

Understanding Web 3 is not roket science. Just see it as an update. When a new version or an updated of your favorite application is launched, you will rush to play store or Apple store to update it and enjoy the new features and benefits, right? You do this even without being asked to. Similarly, there is an updated version of the Web that empowers you and gives you room to do so much more. That version of the Web is the Web3. I hope this is clear enough.

If you are still confused, you can ask questions. We (the community members and I) will be glad to help.

By the way, what do you think dislike most about the Web (Web2) right now?

Cover post credit: XR

This article was originally published here.