Web3 For Dummies: Practical Guide to Internet Future

Published on 27 July 2023 8 min read

What is Web3?
How Web3 differs from Web2
Blockchain and Web3
Decentralized web and its benefits
How to use Web3
How Web3 will change the internet
Web3 and privacy
How to prepare for Web3 future

Let's dive into the fascinating world of Web3—a buzzword that's been bouncing around the internet of late. If you've been scratching your head, trying to figure out what it is, then you're in the right place. This practical guide, aka "Web3 for dummies", is here to break things down in a way that everyone can understand. So, buckle up, and let's explore the future of the internet together.

What is Web3?

Web3, or Web 3.0, is often referred to as the future of the internet. But what exactly does it mean? To put it simply, Web3 is the next generation of the internet, where digital information and real-world entities blend seamlessly. It's like a digital upgrade, equipping the internet with a new set of cool features.

The Key Features of Web3:

Interactivity: Unlike the read-only Web1 and the read-write Web2, Web3 is read-write-execute. This means you're not just a passive consumer of content, but an active participant. You can interact with digital content in new and exciting ways.
Decentralization: Web3 aims to take power away from the big tech companies that control the internet today. In the Web3 world, you're in control of your data.
Smart Contracts: These are digital agreements that execute themselves. For example, imagine renting a car without needing a rental agency— a smart contract could handle the entire process.
Blockchain Technology: This is the backbone of Web3. It's a digital ledger that records transactions across many computers, ensuring transparency and security.

Remember, although Web3 might sound a bit intimidating, it's not. Just think of it as a smarter, more interactive, and fairer version of the internet. And who wouldn't want that? So, let's keep rolling with our Web3 for dummies guide and explore how it differs from its predecessor, Web2.

How Web3 differs from Web2

So, you've got a basic idea of what Web3 is. Now, let's look at how it's different from Web2. Think of it like this: if Web2 was the teenager of the internet, Web3 is the mature adult.

The main differences between Web2 and Web3:

Control of Data: In Web2, big tech companies own and control your data. They decide what to do with it and how to use it. But with Web3, the power shifts back to you. You will own your data and decide how and where it can be used.
Interactivity: With Web2, the internet is mostly a platform for sharing and consuming content. But Web3 takes it to the next level, allowing you to interact with applications and services in a more dynamic way.
Monetization: In the Web2 world, only the big players really make money. They monetize your data while you get the services for free. But in the Web3 world, you could get paid for your contributions, such as creating content or sharing data.
Security: Web2 has been plagued with security issues. From data breaches to hacking, it's a constant battle. However, Web3, with its blockchain technology, promises a more secure internet.

As you can see, Web3 is not just an upgrade; it's a complete overhaul of the system—a leap towards a more secure, interactive, and user-controlled internet. And that's why understanding Web3 for dummies isn't just useful; it's crucial for anyone who uses the internet (which is pretty much everyone).

Blockchain and Web3

When people hear the term Web3, they often hear it in the same breath as 'blockchain' and wonder, "What's the connection?" Well, let's break it down.

Blockchain is the backbone of Web3:

Decentralization: The core concept of Web3 is decentralization and blockchain is the catalyst for it. Think of blockchain as a ledger that everyone can see but no one person controls. It's like a gigantic, public spreadsheet that keeps track of transactions transparently.
Security: Blockchain also brings a new level of security to the web. Each block of data is chained to the one before it, creating a secure, unchangeable record. It's like having an indestructible diary that no one can tamper with.
Smart Contracts: These are automated contracts that execute when certain conditions are met, and they're a key part of Web3. Let's say you're buying a digital artwork—once you send the payment, the artwork would automatically be sent to you. No middleman, no waiting.

So, if you're on the journey of understanding Web3 for dummies, it's important to realize that blockchain isn't just an aspect of Web3—it's the engine that drives it.

Decentralized web and its benefits

Now that we've covered the blockchain, let's talk about the decentralized web. In simple terms, a decentralized web (or Web3) is like a digital democracy—no single authority has control over the entire network. So, how does this benefit you?

Control Over Your Data: In the Web2 world, companies like Facebook and Google control your data. They decide what ads you see, what content appears in your feed, and even who you connect with. In a decentralized web, you control your own data. No more unwanted ads or creepy suggestions based on your browsing habits.
No Single Point of Failure: In a centralized system, if the central server goes down, the whole system crashes. But with Web3, the network is spread over many nodes, reducing the risk of system-wide failures. It's like having a team of relay runners instead of a single sprinter—you don't lose the race if one runner stumbles.
Fair Economic System: Web3 aims to create a fairer economic system where users are rewarded for their contributions. If you're creating content, you could get paid directly by your audience, not by advertisers. It's like busking on a busy street and getting tips from passersby.

So, for all the dummies getting to grips with Web3, remember this: it's about putting power back into your hands. It's about creating a web where you're in control, not some far-off company.

How to use Web3

Let's not beat around the bush — Web3 is not as user-friendly as your typical Web2 yet. But don't worry, it's getting there, and this guide is here to help you navigate the waters. So, how do you start using Web3?

Get a Wallet: The first step in your Web3 journey is to get a digital wallet. This wallet will store your digital assets like cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Some popular wallet options include MetaMask and Trust Wallet.
Buy Some Cryptocurrency: The next step is to purchase some cryptocurrency. This is the currency of the Web3 world. You can buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum from exchanges such as Coinbase or Binance.
Connect Your Wallet to a DApp: Now, you can connect your wallet to a decentralized application (DApp). These are the apps of the Web3 world. Some popular DApps include OpenSea (for trading NFTs) or Uniswap (for swapping different cryptocurrencies).

There you have it! Three simple steps to start your Web3 journey. It might seem a bit tricky at first, but remember when you first learned to use email? It was probably confusing too, but now it's second nature. So, take it slow, and before you know it, you'll be a Web3 pro.

How Web3 Will Change the Internet

Imagine a world where you have complete control over your data and identity. No more worrying about data breaches or tracking cookies. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, this is what Web3 aims to achieve.

In a Web3 world, the internet would be decentralized. In simple terms, no single authority would have control over it. It's like moving from a monarchy (Web2) to a democracy (Web3). Let's break down some key changes:

Ownership: In Web3, you own your data. No more giving it away for free to big tech companies. You decide who gets access to it and when.
Decentralization: Web3 decentralizes the internet. This means no single entity has absolute control. This could lead to a more equitable internet where everyone has a say.
Interoperability: Web3 promotes interoperability. This means different platforms and applications can work together seamlessly. You could use your digital assets across different platforms without any restrictions.
Privacy: With Web3, privacy becomes a default feature, not an afterthought. You can have transactions and interactions on the internet without worrying about your data being misused.

Is this exciting or what? But, remember, every rose has its thorns. Web3 is still in its early stages, and there are issues that need ironing out like scalability and user experience. But hey, Rome wasn't built in a day, right? And if Web3 delivers on its promises, it's going to be worth the wait.

Web3 and Privacy

Let's talk about privacy in the Web3 world. It's a big topic, especially for those of us who are tired of feeling like we're constantly under a microscope every time we go online. So how does Web3 plan to tackle this?

Well, in the Web3 universe, privacy is a big deal. In fact, it's one of the major pillars of the whole concept. Here's how it works:

Self-Sovereign Identity: In Web3, you get to have a self-sovereign identity. What does this mean? Well, think of it as having an ID card, but for the internet. And the best part is, you control it. You decide who gets to see what information. No third party can access your data without your permission.
Secure Transactions: Web3 uses blockchain technology. This means transactions are encrypted and secure. Even better, they're anonymous. No prying eyes can see who's transacting with whom.
Data Control: Remember when we talked about owning your data in Web3? This comes with the added perk of controlling your privacy. You decide who gets to see your data, when, and how much.

Think about it: an Internet where you don't have to worry about who's watching. You're in control, not some big tech company. Now, isn't that a future worth waiting for?

But remember, just like any technology, Web3 isn't perfect. There are still issues that need to be worked out, like how to ensure absolute privacy while maintaining an open and transparent network. But with the continuous advancements in blockchain and cryptography, we're hopeful that a truly private Web3 isn't far off.

How to Prepare for Web3 Future

So, we've talked about what Web3 is, and how it promises to change the internet landscape. The big question now is: How do you prepare for a Web3 future? Let's explore some practical steps you can take to get yourself ready.

Understand Blockchain: If you're going to navigate the Web3 world, you need to understand blockchain. It's the technology that underpins Web3, and it's here to stay. Start by familiarizing yourself with terms like 'cryptocurrency', 'smart contracts', 'decentralized apps' (or DApps), and 'distributed ledger technology'.
Learn About Cryptocurrencies: In the world of Web3, cryptocurrencies are more than just digital money. They're a fundamental part of how things work. Try to understand what they are, why they're important, and how to use them safely.
Get Tech-Savvy: Web3 is all about technology. The more you understand about how digital technologies work, the better prepared you'll be. Brush up on your tech skills, and don't be afraid to dive into new areas.
Keep An Open Mind: Web3 is a new concept, and it's going to bring a lot of changes. Be ready to adapt and learn as things evolve. Remember, change can be a good thing. Especially when it puts you in control.

Preparing for a Web3 future might seem daunting at first, especially if you're new to the world of digital technology. But don't worry, you're not alone. There are plenty of resources out there to help guide you on this journey. And remember, every expert was once a beginner. Even a web3 for dummies guide had to start somewhere!

The future is coming, and it's looking a lot like Web3. So, are you ready to step into the future?

If you're excited about the future of the internet and want to learn more about web3, don't miss the workshop 'Start Your web3 Journey' by Tom Glendinning. This workshop will provide you with a practical understanding of web3, its potential applications, and how you can get involved in this exciting new frontier.