WEB2

Web2 refers to the mainstream internet model we are familiar with today, based on a centralized server-client architecture that emerged after the dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s. It represents a significant shift from static webpages to dynamic, interactive content, enabling users not only to consume content but also to create and share it. In the Web2 ecosystem, large technology companies like Google, Facebook (Meta), and Amazon have become centralized providers of data and services, controlling user data and platform rules.

The origin of Web2 can be traced back to 1999 when Darcy DiNucci first introduced the concept of "Web 2.0," although it wasn't until 2004 that the concept gained widespread popularity through the Web 2.0 Conference organized by Tim O'Reilly. Web2 represents the transition of the internet from static HTML pages to dynamic content generation, with social networks, user-generated content, and cloud services becoming the hallmarks of this era. With the proliferation of smartphones, mobile internet further drove the development of Web2, forming today's app-centric internet ecosystem.

The working mechanism of Web2 primarily relies on centralized server architecture. Users send requests to servers through browsers or applications, and servers process these requests and return corresponding data or services. In this process, user data is stored in the data centers of service providers, who analyze this data to optimize user experience while also using it for commercial monetization, mainly through advertising models. User authentication and authorization systems allow platforms to control who can access which resources, while API interfaces enable different applications to integrate with each other, forming a tightly connected internet ecosystem.

Despite bringing unprecedented convenience in information access and social connectivity, Web2 faces numerous risks and challenges. Firstly, data privacy issues have become increasingly prominent, with user data concentrated in the hands of a few tech giants, often commercially exploited without users' full awareness. At the same time, centralized architecture also brings the risk of single points of failure; if core servers malfunction or are attacked, it can lead to widespread service disruptions. Moreover, the centralized power of platforms has raised concerns about censorship and information control, as platforms can unilaterally decide on content visibility or account continuity. As the degree of digitalization deepens, cybersecurity threats such as data breaches and identity theft have also become increasingly serious.

Web2 represents a crucial stage in the evolution of the internet, transforming it from a tool for information retrieval to an infrastructure for social interaction and digital commerce. Despite facing many challenges, Web2 continues to evolve, incorporating new technologies to improve user experience. However, for addressing the fundamental issues of centralization, the next generation of internet architecture, Web3, is attempting to provide alternative solutions through decentralized technologies, signaling a potential paradigm shift in the internet landscape.