What is Web 2.0? A Quick Overview

What is Web 2.0?

I will admit, the first time I heard the buzz word, "web 2.0" I was confused. I thought it might mean the Internet we are using will be version 1 and we would all have to buy a new Internet. That is not the case. Web 2.0 is actually just a term used to describe the new ways of using the Internet.

Before web 2.0, the Internet was used mainly to check email and search for web pages. Data files, photos, videos, and information was stored on each users personal computer or storage device. The Internet was very useful for research papers, playing games, and chatting with AOL AIM and MSN. The main players were Yahoo!, MSN, and AOL.

As the Internet evolved, other websites started popping up and changing our lives forever. Google became the search engine of choice and is now a very popular portal and revenue stream for many people. MySpace and Facebook introduced us to social networking and we never looked back. Thousands of people became independent news reporters and posted on blogs. Millions of dollars are being paid each year to people sitting at home using the Internet to write in blogs or run small businesses or even taking surveys or look at ads.

Pros of Web 2.0

Besides making money online, people are now also able to save a trip to the doctor by researching their ailments before they call to make an appointment. They can also save a trip to the psychologist due to social problems because Web 2.0 is all about social networking. News, information, gossip, and opinions are posted on millions, probably billions, of blogs like this one.

Cons of Web 2.0

Some people think the Internet will make it nearly impossible for real human interaction. The same was thought of TV when it came out. There might be some truth to that, but only a little. The Internet serves as another channel, or platform, for communication. It allows people to learn, shop, meet friends, and earn a living. There will certainly be some people who sit in front of computers all day long, but the majority of people need face to face interaction and a job they need to drive to.

What is Next

Another evolution has already started. The next generation of the Internet will involve mobile devices. Blackberries and Smart Phones are a step in this evolution, but it is just the beginning. Eventually, the majority of people will be able to surf the Internet, shop online, blog, and network from anywhere with all in one mobile devices such as the iPhone and Blackberries. This does not mean toss your computer or laptop. Long papers, articles, designing, and other activities will still be more comfortably done sitting at home on a bigger screen and keyboard.

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