Web 2.0 refers to the second generation of web development and design that focuses on user interactivity, collaboration, and content sharing.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!- It transformed the internet from a static environment (Web 1.0) into a dynamic, user-driven platform.
Unlike Web 1.0, where content was created by a few and consumed by many, Web 2.0 empowers users to create, modify, and share content, making the web more social and participatory.
Web 1.0 vs Web 2.0:
| Feature | Web 1.0 | Web 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Content Flow | One-way (read-only) | Two-way (read/write) |
| Interactivity | Limited or none | High user interaction |
| Content Source | Created by website owners | Created by users (UGC – User Generated Content) |
| Examples | Static web pages, online brochures | Blogs, social media, forums |
Key Features of Web 2.0:
- User-Generated Content (UGC)
- Users actively contribute content in the form of blogs, reviews, posts, videos, and comments.
- Example: YouTube users upload videos; Reddit users post and vote on discussions.
- Social Networking Sites
- Platforms that allow users to connect, communicate, and share with others globally.
- Examples: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn.
- Collaborative Platforms
- Web 2.0 enables collaboration across geographies with tools for co-editing and sharing.
- Examples: Wikipedia (crowdsourced encyclopedia), Google Docs (real-time document editing).
- Tagging and Bookmarking
- Users categorize content using tags or hashtags, making it easier to search and follow trends.
- Example: Pinterest allows users to “pin” content; Twitter uses hashtags like #TechNews.
- Rich User Experience
- Interactive designs using AJAX, JavaScript, and dynamic content provide seamless user interfaces.
- Example: Infinite scrolling on Facebook or live notifications on Instagram.
Connection to Social Computing:
Web 2.0 serves as the technological foundation of social computing. It supports the interaction, sharing, and collaboration necessary for platforms like:
- Facebook (social networking)
- Wikipedia (collaborative knowledge)
- TripAdvisor (user reviews)
- Quora (community-based Q&A)