Web 2.0 introduced interactivity, social connectivity, and user-generated content. For my understanding, I divide Web 2.0 in two decades. In the first decade, users of the web became active participants, and had ability to leave comments and engage in discussions. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter connected people globally. User-generated content became normalized, prompting us users to create and share content. Mobile devices, such as smartphones obviously made web access very easy.
As we moved into the second decade, Web 2.0 underwent significant changes. Apps like Airbnb or Uber for example—enhanced online interactions, making services more convenient and accessible. Web 2.0 also dominated web-centric applications that redefined online interactivity and utility. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Uber, WhatsApp, and YouTube became integral parts of our daily lives, offering communication and new forms of interaction.
There was an overall rise in number of people earning their incomes in millions through online platform opportunities. Being one of these people, I also began to post my photography and travel content on Instagram and gained a lot of reach, and experiencing this first-hand certainly helps me understanding the benefits of Web 2.0, however, I also realized that it also meant that there will be a certain level of negativity spread through uncontrolled harsh comments on social media.
In my opinion, Web 2.0 affected certain traditional sectors like retail and media, forcing them to adapt to this change. With Web 3.0 on in the foreseeable future, promises even more significant changes in how we interact with the internet.
