They exist in peer-to-peer networks comprising thousands of nodes around the world.
On Web2, social networks must provide an avenue for users to connect and share constructively. Unfortunately, the reality of things is not that simple.
In most of these social networks, billions of users are housed, of which the data and management is concentrated by a single platform.
In fact, in a 2017 Wired article, Chelsea Barabas, Neha Narula, and Ethan Zuckerman asserted that social media can no longer continue as it does, decentralization is necessary, and the only obstacle is simply attracting users.
Decentralised social networks are dapps, or decentralised applications, which are blockchain-based smart contracts.
What is the difference?
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are database based to store user information, program code and other forms of data. Although it may seem beneficial, there have actually been complexities, for example, Facebook's servers notoriously went offline for hours last year, leaving users locked out of the platform.
Instead, peer-to-peer networks with thousands of nodes throughout the world are where decentralised social networks may be found. Even if some nodes fail, the network will run without interruption, making applications resilient to failures or blackouts.
But how are they maintained?
Native tokens on several blockchain development company based social media networks enable monetization in the absence of ad income. These tokens may be bought by users to access certain features, finish in-app purchases, or tip their preferred content producers.
That is why various traditional Web2 platforms are trying to use, however, the confidence is low regarding the amount of data they handle, something different with Web3 networks.
Most likely these networks end up being preferable for allowing users written posts, images, videos, even NFT.
Simply put, anything you post on the site is indisputably the user's. Additionally, you can mint anything you post on your site as NFTs, set up subscription fees with crypto, and even set up a DAO using the site's built-in tools.
Utilities of Web 3.0 in our day to day
Although we are still in transition between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0, the latter has already brought many beneficial changes to our lives, for example:
- Smart searches. Users enjoy a more personalized internet, linked to their characteristics and tastes.
- Faster. Due to the high demand, broadband connections have had to be implemented to guarantee users a better user experience.
- Devices that combine artificial intelligence with voice recognition, such as Alexa and Siri.
- Evolution of social networks. They have increased the number of social networks exponentially and their way of communicating.
- Connect across more devices. Users of Web 3.0 are able to connect not just through desktop and laptop computers but also through watches, tablets, and other wearables.
- Three-dimensional spaces. Users already have access to new ways of viewing the network.
- Online office. Thanks to various programs, it is already possible to work remotely by having video call meetings with programs such as Zoom and working alongside colleagues through programs where files are shared which are stored in the cloud.
- Metaverse. Being able to interact with the digital world and virtual reality through gaming or NFTs.
- Digital economy. Web 3.0 accompanied by Blockchain development services, made possible the creation of cryptocurrencies or digital currency.
These are just some of the changes that we have seen reflected today, but Web 3.0 is still in its initial phase and there is a whole universe to be discovered in it.
What will the transition to Web 3.0 look like?
Like any emerging technology, it will take time for Web 3.0 to become established in users' daily lives. As more and more people connect with cryptocurrencies, the transformation will be gradual; little by little, many Web 3.0 apps and services will be accessed through Web 2.0.
Users will first be able to easily and quickly grasp the differences between version 2.0 and 3.0. The majority of program and protocols will operate in a similar manner to program like WhatsApp, Facebook, Spotify, Dropbox, and Zoom. The new apps will function in a decentralised manner, which makes them more dependable and safe.
Services that we use now such as search engines, storage systems, video call applications, social networks, chat applications or work services will migrate from one web protocol to another. This will affect applications on a technical level, but users will perceive these services in the same way they are used to.
The fantastic thing about Web 3.0 is that new platforms will be developed to prevent monopolies and centralised services in addition to existing apps and services migrating to this new internet. However, just as Web 2.0 did not completely eliminate Web 1.0, the shift to Web 3.0 will take time.