Web 3.0 will not replace Google but will push the web into a more democratic and balanced environment. People will have the option to control their data and access various virtual worlds using one single account. Similarly, Web 3.0 will allow users to shed the old online social norms developed during the Web 2.0 era and build identities in online communities without any limitations.
But how did we get there, and why isn’t Web 2.0 an adequate solution anymore?
Let’s dive into the topic together!
The Difference Between Current Social Media and Web3 Social Media Goals
Steadily but surely, the internet infiltrated our society. Since then, companies and small businesses have found a broad range of monetizing methods. They have also invested billions of dollars into creating strategies that improve their chances of success.
It isn’t shocking that our culture revolves around selling content, product, or even free space on a webpage. That is because content creation is considered one of the leading and most successful marketing strategies.
As a result, every online space now contains content that sends a particular message. Whether it’s a selfie on a private account or a carefully-crafted brand image, we communicate or motivate interactors to take action by posting content.
But, just as content production was one of the primary goals when Web 2.0 technologies were our only option, the rise of Web 3.0 had begun to shift our focus from generating content to interacting with users and boosting engagement. One thing led to another, and we now have entire virtual worlds dedicated to nurturing connections, not only between brands and users but between all members of the community.
Transition Form Asocial “Social Media” to a Network That Connects Us All
Web 2.0 technologies provided us with spaces where 2D interaction was prevalent. As a result, we’ve adapted our communication styles to emerging technologies and learned to interact with each other via computer or mobile screens.
Of course, Web 2.0 technologies have opened new doors to education, networking, social support, and business opportunities. But the other side of our reality is that social media also harms people’s mental health. Studies show a correlation between social media and anxiety and depression, as well as other mental disorders related to self-perception.
Adolescence is the period of personal and social identity formation, and much of this development is now reliant on social media. Due to their limited capacity for self-regulation and their vulnerability to peer pressure, adolescents may not evade the potentially adverse effects of social media use. Consequently, they are at greater risk of developing a mental disorder.
“A systematic review: the influence of social media on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents” by Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A.
Then came the pandemic. We had no other choice but to yet again confine our relationships to devices. As a result, we consumed content without regularly interacting with peers for weeks or months at a time. In other words, an average social media platform isn’t an accurate representation of an online space where users can satisfy their need for daily interaction with others.
However, the rise of Web 3.0 can potentially help us overcome the challenges of interactions via Web 2.0 technologies. Tee rise of Web3 can also bring back “social” in social media. The only problem is that Web 3.0 is, unfortunately, still in its infancy. So, it might take a few decades to reach its true potential.
If you’re wondering what Web 3.0 can do for people, here’s how this technology can improve our lives.
- Reconnection with our peers– Emerging metaverses allow us to deepen our connection with peers and participate in social activities in immersive online spaces.
- Expression of our individuality– As each metaverse allows people to customize their avatars, users can truly express their individuality and present themselves to the world in a way they see fit.
- Re-building a stable community– Once the technology behind metaverse develops, we’ll be able to blur the line between a physical and 3D virtual world. Verbal communication will then become the new norm, allowing us to truly feel like a part of an online community.
- Confirmation of ownership– The societal goal is to switch to crypto and embrace NFTs eventually. If possible, we can utilize these tokens to confirm ownership of our assets and even earn standard income long-term.
Foto Illustration: Freepik
How Does Facebook Fit in the Web3 Story?
We all know that Facebook is one of the most prominent Web 3.0 pioneers aiming to speed up its development. Of course, Meta is focused on building a virtual world, which is only a fragment of Web 3.0’s potential. Still, Meta’s contribution to its evolution shouldn’t be left unnoticed.
With roughly 2.9 billion monthly active users in the second quarter of 2022, Facebook remains the largest social media network.
But, once Web 3.0 enables decentralized apps to take over centralized social media networks, what’s going to happen to Facebook?
-The actual website and mobile app Facebook will still exist as a social network platform. However, Meta will encompass all other Meta-owned properties such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook. – Wrote David Matthews for Digital Trends.
In other words, once Meta develops its virtual reality world, Facebook will likely continue to exist independently. However, as the hype around Meta’s VR builds up, it’s also likely the metaverse will cast a shadow over Facebook. As a result, the app will eventually become irrelevant to the user. After all, who would want to post updates in a 2D world when they can spend quality time in VR?
What’s Next: Will Web3 Replace Google?
Google is a search engine, while Web 3.0 is essentially a buzzword for Crypto, NFTs, and metaverses. Of course, the development of these technologies could lead to the development of a better search engine. However, the end goal isn’t to replace Google with Web 3.0.
Web 2.0 was all about a few tech giants dictating questionable policies of how we interact or consent to our data being exploited for further research. Web 3.0, however, is here to keep those unethical practices out of the question and provide an online space where users won’t be constrained by big tech companies or even device features.
