Beyond Web 2.0

Web 3.0 is a term that seems futuristic, derived from a science fiction novel. However, it is not far from our grasp and at the rate at which technology and the internet are advancing it could become a reality within the next few years. The articl "How Web 3.0 Will Work" by Jonathan Strickland provides a comprehensive look into what the future web might offer and how it will affect our lives. This article considers many opinions about the direction the Web is going varying from slight changes to the Web as we know it today, to drastic changes that one could imagine came straight out of a Sci-Fi Movie. I think some aspects of the article are accurate in describing the future of the internet. After reading this article and gaining more knowledge about Web 3.0, I think in a matter of years we are going to be faced with a Web that is more intelligent, omni-present, and has a much closer and more connected relationship with our lives. I think the Web is moving in a direction where it can personalize and familiarize itself with the user in order to provide more detailed and accurate searches that are relevant to the interests, needs, and wants of the user. It is not an entirely new concept of the Internet learning about the likes and dislikes, lifestyles, and habits of the user. Some sites like Facebook, Pandora. and Amazon already use information in order to personalize their sites to target the user. However these sites are limited in capacity and the Web is moving in a direction where its knowledge will not be limited and it will be able to provide us with more comprehensive and relevant results because it will not be limited to tags and keywords. In this respect we will be provided with greater access to information the we are looking for at quicker speeds making surfing the web less of a hassle. Also, with internet capabilities currently available on cell phones, televisions, and other household devices we are moving in a direction where we can have instant web access from any device making the web an omni-present force. This will greatly increase the role of the Internet in our lives and our dependency on it for information as well. Referring back the the Douglas Rushkoff "Digital Nation" video, if this documentary is to portray our dependency on technology and the dramatic effects it has had on society, imagine what life will be like when access to the web is virtually limitless. People will not be constricted by time or space, as they can have access anytime or anywhere. As we enter into this new Web 3.0 generation it is hard to imagine when the evolution of technology will reach its peak and how far into our lives the Web can creep. In my opinion we are entering into a "virtually" transparent society and the access of our information on the web will be almost limitless. If the web is to truly familiarize itself with many facets of our lives it becomes a serious question of how to protect ourselves from being overexposed and overshared on the web.