Web2, commonly referred to as Web 2.0, marks a pivotal evolution in the internet's history, transforming it from a collection of static webpages to a dynamic and interactive experience. This term was popularized in the early 2000s following a conference between O'Reilly Media and MediaLive International. Unlike its predecessor, Web2 emphasizes user-generated content, usability, and interoperability for end users. This era of the internet is characterized by the rise of social media platforms, blogs, wikis, and folksonomies, all of which rely heavily on human collaboration. The shift facilitated the growth of online communities and services such as YouTube, Wikipedia, and Facebook, which not only allowed users to interact but also to contribute content that could be shared and modified.
The architectural foundation of Web2 is built on what is commonly known as the "LAMP" stack, which stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP - key technologies that enable the functioning of dynamic web pages and applications. These technologies, along with AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML), allow for the creation of fast and interactive web experiences. AJAX, in particular, enables web pages to dynamically retrieve and display content without requiring a page reload, which was a significant advancement over the earlier, static web pages. This responsiveness is a hallmark of Web2, enhancing the user experience by making websites feel more like applications than simple pages of content.
One of the core features of Web2 is the rise of "participatory" culture, where users are not just passive consumers of content but active participants in the creation and dissemination of information. This is evident in platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where user engagement through comments, likes, and shares forms the backbone of the experience. Moreover, crowdsourcing becomes a significant phenomenon in this era, exemplified by projects like Kickstarter and Wikipedia, which rely on the collective effort of volunteers and contributors from around the globe. This collaborative environment has democratized information and media production, significantly altering how knowledge and culture are disseminated and consumed.
Despite its numerous benefits, Web2 is not without its criticisms and challenges. Issues such as data privacy, misinformation, and the digital divide have sparked intense debates and discussions about the governance and ethical implications of this technology. Moreover, the centralization of data within major corporations—often called "BigData"—poses significant risks regarding data privacy and security. Nevertheless, Web2 has irrevocably changed the landscape of the internet, setting the stage for the next iteration, Web3, which promises even greater decentralization and user sovereignty over data. As we move forward, the lessons learned from the era of Web2 will undoubtedly influence the development and policies of future web technologies.