From Data Elegy to Mastering the Future: The Real Contest Between Web2 and Web3

Core Issues

Millions of internet users enjoy convenience every day in the embrace of Web2, yet unknowingly lose something in the process. Censorship, data tracking, privacy violations—these are not just clickbait, but the everyday reality of the Web2 world. When tech giants store your personal information in centralized databases, a single hacker attack can destroy the trust of millions of users. In response to these pain points, Web3 has emerged, promising to reshape the future of the internet with technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. But the truth is: Can Web3 really surpass Web2?

The Evolution of the Internet in Three Eras

From Static to Interactive: The Limitations of Web1

Web1 is the original form of the internet, composed of static HTML pages. Its biggest feature is complete decentralization—anyone can host a server and build applications without any censorship. Users search for information through a browser, but the problems are also evident: there is no interaction, no creation, only one-way information reception. Chat software and forums are the only communication tools, and people can only play the role of passive observers.

The Prosperity and Cost of Web2

In the late 1990s, breakthroughs in database and server-side processing technology led to Web 2.0. It was a revolution— the popularity of social media, content platforms, and mobile internet allowed everyone to become a creator. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, and Tumblr provided users with unprecedented freedom.

But what is the price of freedom? These centralized tech giants have built vast user databases. Google and Facebook have accumulated a central network of global users and their information through the acquisition of small companies. Users' search histories, location data, social relationships, and consumption habits—all locked within the ecosystems of these companies. The data breach scandal of Facebook in the 2010s demonstrated the risks of such centralized management: users being unfairly censored without their knowledge, accounts being closed without reason, and privacy being systematically violated.

Web3: From Ideals to Reality

The Three Fundamental Differences Between Web3 and Web2

Decentralized Structure

Web2 is a centralized network dominated by a few giants, while Web3 intends to overthrow this model. By leveraging blockchain, the Internet of Things, peer-to-peer technology, and open-source software, Web3 aims to diminish the power of large tech companies. In this new world, companies must pay to access user data. Users regain control over their content and information ownership.

Unauthorized Free Participation

Web2 is determined by a few large companies who can participate and who can communicate. Web3 breaks this monopoly—anyone can freely interact with others without platform approval.

Zero Trust Decentralized Authentication

Web3 operates through blockchain and cryptocurrency, allowing users to transact without relying on third-party institutions, with all transactions and data being publicly verifiable. These ideals are realized through blockchain technology and the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

What can Web3 truly change?

Leap in Data Security

Centralized databases are like a beehive—hackers only need to breach one system to gain access. Decentralized solutions distribute data storage, making large-scale data breaches go from possible to extremely difficult. Private information will be truly protected.

True Data Ownership

In Web2, user data seems to belong to the company. Web3 aims to change all of this - users will regain complete control over their own data and can even tokenize, trade, or authorize it. Imagine if your data could create value for you rather than being used by companies without compensation.

Resistance to Censorship and Freedom of Speech

Without central authority, there is no unfair censorship. Large companies will not easily be able to delete specific content or control the narrative. The truth will be harder to suppress.

Path to Financial Freedom

Web3 is based on blockchain, allowing users to easily access the ecosystem, utilize decentralized finance (DeFi) tools, and other innovative services to achieve true financial freedom and financial inclusion.

future immersive experience

Web3 is not only a technological upgrade but also a reshaping of interaction methods. Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be deeply integrated to create richer digital experiences. The metaverse is the best example—a virtual 3D universe where users can explore, socialize, purchase virtual land, play games, and even work remotely as avatars. This immersive environment will enhance online community interactions, blurring the boundaries between virtual and real.

The future has arrived, but it has not fully come yet.

The debate between Web2 and Web3 is essentially the eternal opposition of centralization vs decentralization. However, the key point is: Web3 has not yet been realized, and its superiority over Web2 still needs to be proven over time.

However, based on the promise of decentralization, Web3 does have the potential to address a series of data scandals that we witnessed in Web2. It promises to return control to users, allowing everyone to become the masters of their own data again. Even though the road is long, this transition from centralization to decentralized autonomy may very well be the next inevitable evolution of the internet.