Over the past few years there has been much talk about web 2.0 companies and how it has changed the face of the web forever. In reality, the only thing the so called web 2.0 has changed is how technical nerds view it.
Definition:
- Web 2.0
- A term referring to the change in both web design and web development. In design, web 2.0 often refers to the use of 3d graphics. In the early years of web 2.0, the 3d graphics were generally accompanied by a “Beta” sign. In development, web 2.0 refers to a website consisting of user interaction. This is usually seen through blogs allowing comments, wikis, social medias, and forums.
Who its been changed for
For many users the web is still the same. Open browser packaged with PC, type in Google.com click enter, type in [keyword] click enter and hope for the best. But for nerds, the web has changed. We visit sites like Reddit, Problogger, DigitalPoint, Wikipedia and interact with others.
What has Web 2.0 changed for the average user?
The average user can be described as someone who isn’t too technical, but still uses MSN or Yahoo messenger, uses Google, and possibly owns a blog or social profile. This is where the real change has happened. Users are now easily creating their own website and generating content, all while being social with others around the world.
It all starts with nerds
During the mid-90s the popular nerd platform was IRC. Nerds gathered around the globe and communicated with others. Now, IRC is mostly used by Europeans and gamers. Many nerds soon left for other platforms like Yahoo rooms (though, that didn’t last long). Then came Friendster and Hi5, then MySpace and Facebook. Nerds were the first, as always, when it comes to socializing online. The rest soon followed.
Digg was huge after its creation. Digg was started as a technical website, similar to SlashDot, but with a much easier to use interface. Nerds flocked to Digg and made it successful. Digg moved on and allowed other categories, nerds told their friends, the friends took over and many nerds left. Digg is now used by tens-of-thousands of non-technical teenagers and 20-somethings who want to communicate and vote on their favorite stories.
The real change has yet to come
Even with the average user being more involved than ever before, the web has yet to take another leap forward (compared to the Google leap). In order for this to happen, users must continue to follow the nerds into social interaction. Blogs and social profiles are not enough. Once users fully make the transaction to social voting and wikis the real fun will begin.
In the future, all internet users will benefit from social interaction the way all visitors today benefit from search engines. My prediction is a combination of Delicious, StumbleUpon, and Google will take place in the near future. We can already see an early version of this with Google bookmarks.
Written: Sep 27, 2008
Tags: google, social bookmarking, social media, social networking, web 2.0, Web Development
Dwayne from Probably Sucks Blog
September 28, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
I believe you’re right. Web 3.0 isn’t here yet and those who say Web 3.0 is superseding Web 2.0 absolutely suck my keyboard strokes. Web 2.0 is still in full swing, it’s a shame it’s made people stupid though.
Dennis Edell
September 30, 2008 @ 4:45 am
I hope 3.0 is a farse, I just got used to 2.0