The first generation of the world-wide-web consisted of systems designed to supply the user with information. The second generation or Web 2.0 as it is known, focuses on user generated content, as opposed to publication generated content and information. In Web 2.0 the web is more of a service for users to create, share, and store information. The next step in this process is Web 3.0, the next generation of the internet will not simply bring and show information, the computer and internet will begin to understand the information, decipher trends, and
assist the user in finding and generating content. Some Web 3.0-esque applications are already in use, Amazon.com's user recommended products feature is an example of this. The web and computer will soon be completely personalized to the user's wants and needs. As well as this user tailored aspect, Web 3.0 will be all encompassing. All appliances will be online and communicating. Cars, televisions, dishwashers, washing machines, coffee makers will all be online while the user will be able to control everything, everywhere, always. The internet will become completely ingrained in the global consumer as well as business culture; it will be the fundamental economic instrument. Another startling aspect Web 3.0's omnipresence will be its transparency. Yes, the internet will be everywhere, yet we will not be able to see it, other than the small device in our hands.
As much as I wish I was skeptical about the prospect of what the internet can become, I am not. There will be issues along the way concerning information security, but aren't there security issues now? Time management is a direct corollary to internet involvement. Soon we will be able to have every single day planned to the second, accounting for the most minimal obstacles. Perhaps, the most intriguing component of the new internet will be its transparency, the simple fact of information being shared everywhere will make our lives inherently easier. My fantasy of being able to get in my car, punch in an address, go to sleep, and wake up and my destination unharmed does not seem so far off anymore. Yes, the new internet will being new security threats, I say its worth it.
