Digitally Curious

CHAPTER 10THE NEW INTERNET

Over the last few decades, the internet has radically changed how we connect, communicate, and conduct commerce with each other. The technology behind it was initially conceived of in the late 1960s as a military and research network that allowed computers to share information.

In the years since Sir Tim Berners-Lee developed the World Wide Web (WWW) in 1989,¹ the internet has undergone three profound transformations: Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and now Web 3.0. Each has opened up further opportunities and potential that redefined how we interact and do business.

Let’s examine these transformations in more detail.

Web 1.0 – Read-Only Data

At its core, Web 1.0 was a content delivery network that allowed for straightforward information sharing across university and research centres. It was predominantly read-only – meaning you could only view information but not change it. It offered no interactive content or user-generated features. The design of these web pages was basic, largely text-based, and driven by the limitations of early browser technologies and slow connection speeds.

As time went by, the internet became more user-friendly and expanded beyond academic and military institutions. Browsers like Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer allowed websites to become more visually engaging. As internet use became more widespread, the dot.com boom signalled a period of speculating, investment, and entrepreneurship.

Figure 10.1 A screenshot of my website, ...