The Next Evolution of the Internet: Web4
The internet has undergone numerous transformations since its inception, from static websites (Web1) to interactive platforms (Web2), and decentralized networks with blockchain technologies (Web3). However, the next stage of evolution, Web4, represents a fundamental realignment: it brings communities back to the forefront and offers an alternative to major internet monopolies like Meta and TikTok. In this article, we delve into the concept of Web4 and how it aims to revolutionize the digital landscape through free, democratic, and small social networks. In another article, we will then explain the deeper roles that AI and decentralization will have in Web4.
What is Web4?
Web4 aims to liberate the internet from centralized, monopoly-like structures and instead promote decentralized, community-focused networks. These networks are based on democratic principles, where users are not just participants but also co-creators of the platforms.
Web4 is already a concept that is standing today and being built by companies and startups like Linkspreed.
The Vision of Web4
The vision of Web4 is built on the following core principles:
- Decentralization: Instead of centralized platforms controlled by a few large corporations, Web4 aspires to a distributed network structure. This enhances user control over their own data and interactions.
- Democratization: Web4 encourages user participation and co-determination. Through decentralized governance models, users can vote on important changes and policies.
- Community Focus: At the heart of Web4 is the empowerment of communities. Users are encouraged to form smaller, specific networks that reflect their interests and values.
Advantages of Web4 Over Traditional Social Networks
- Privacy and Security: Web4 employs advanced security protocols and encryption technologies to protect user privacy. Unlike major platforms often plagued by data breaches, Web4 places a high priority on safeguarding personal data.
- Transparency and Fairness: Decentralized structures and transparent governance models ensure that decisions are made openly and fairly. Users have visibility into all processes and can actively participate in them.
- Monetization and Value Creation: Web4 introduces new ways to monetize content, where users can directly benefit from the value they create. This can be through tokenization, micro-payments, or other innovative models.
Examples of Web4 in Practice
Several platforms and projects are already working on implementing Web4 principles:
- Linkspreed’s Web4: Linkspreed is a pioneer in the Web4 space, offering a platform based on decentralization and community focus. Users can organize into specific networks and actively participate in shaping the platform.
- Web4.one and Explore Web4: These platforms provide deep insights into the technical and social innovations that Web4 brings. They serve as hubs for developers and users interested in advancing Web4. These platform services are also provided for free by Linkspreed.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Like any new technology, Web4 faces challenges. These include the technical implementation of decentralization principles, ensuring user-friendliness, and overcoming legal and regulatory hurdles. Nevertheless, Web4 presents a promising vision for the future of the internet, based on collaboration, fairness, and community-driven value creation.
Conclusion
Web4 represents a radical realignment of the internet, where communities and democratic principles take center stage. By promoting decentralized, free, and small social networks, Web4 offers an alternative to existing internet monopolies and paves the way for a fairer and more secure digital future.
Top comments (19)
You lost me at "companies".
A free internet already exists, it's out there, self-hosted and federated. Companies have no place in a free internet beyond providing the hardware and infrastructure.
Sorry if I wasn’t clear, but the goal of the companies is to provide a foundation, like the infrastructure for example. Or to put a vision out into the world :)
is this just AI-generated vagueposting slop or is there any technical meaning to the concept of "web 4"? too lazy to google
I wanted to give a little sneak peek, but I'm working on a technical deep dive as soon as Web4 Lite is released as open-source code.
..."web4 lite"...?
web1 was a foundational technology
web2 was a paradigm
web3 was snake oil
web4 is... a product? that doesn't even exist yet?
Well, Web4 does exist. Indeed it's not open source yet. Were working on a open source version.
The Web has already gone through a decentralized data phase (long before all of this blockchain dApp nonsense). Perhaps it's ready for another, but you're obviously premature in saying it's happening now (I'm guessing you're doing something in that space and thus trying to present it that way) and that you're going to be the one to brand it "Web4."
Of course, decentralization already existed, and it's more about looking back to the beginnings of the internet. With the rise of mainstream social media like Facebook and Instagram, we see the danger of social networks becoming more and more dominant, potentially eliminating decentralization altogether. This community-based internet aims to recreate the state of microblogging from the early days of the internet, but with much better and more advanced technology.
Web 100500
Love that! XD
Web 3 Web 4?
There is not such terms existing...Who made up those things LoL ..
There is isn't any technical or logical defenition some scammers made it up
No, there is nothing inherently wrong with building a new generation of the Internet. Web4 has nothing to do with crypto. They are decentralized community platforms.
This is more of political speak then technology article... so what tech is behind web4 again?
Don’t worry, as soon as the Lite version goes live, I’ll post a real, longer, and better deep dive with technical background information here. Web4 has decentralized technology, but it’s not primarily about building a new tech framework. Instead, it aims to allow anyone to create decentralized community platforms using simple technology (e.g. PHP), which won’t be controlled by big monopolies. That’s the idea behind the decentralization.
clearly this is a bubble. you will be surrounded by like minded people which is sweet to hear but it has a bad effect in the long term in your Lifestyle.
Very interesting, can you elaborate on that a bit more? I'm really interested in learning more from you about it and how you connect that with a long-term defect. Theoretically, you can switch your bubbles around whenever you want, and the bubbles aren't controlled by an algorithm; you can freely choose which communities you want to join.
I can literally see the ChatGPT phrases and summarization in these posts.
Do something more productive with your time instead of wasting ours and yours.
Yeah, AI is pretty good for summarizing thoughts and writing them in better English. But don’t worry, as soon as the Lite version goes live, I'll publish a real, longer, and better deep dive with technical background information here.
Web4.one is the enigma that keeps on giving. 💯