Web 3.0 is predicted to be known as the Semantic Web because it will become more intuitive for every user. The name was coined by none other than Web's original creator Tim Berners-Lee. Scientific American magazine published an article in 2001 in which Bernes-Lee outlined his vision for the internet. As an example, he presented two brothers who coordinate the logistics involved in supporting their mother's medical treatment; using intelligent agents, they execute the process automatically interacting with clinical systems, among themselves, and with their home devices.
This is the kind of intuitive technology we can expect from Web 3.0. In this third generation of the web, the goal is to provide users with a personalized experience based on their interests and needs. Amazon’s Alexa, which collects information from the web and tailors it to our needs, is a prime example of Web 3.0 technologies.
Currently, we're transitioning from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0. We can expect Web 3.0 to have as significant an impact as Web 2.0 has. Web 3.0 will introduce us to many exciting new technologies, including the metaverse. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the metaverse, let's examine some of its key concepts.
Chapter 2: Key Concepts of the Metaverse
During your research about the metaverse, you may come across terms with which you are unfamiliar. You should not let that prevent you from exploring this revolutionary technology. Let's discuss key concepts of the metaverse in a way that will help you get a better sense of what it all means.
Blockchain
IBM defines blockchain as a shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a business network. That sounds a bit confusing, doesn’t it? Let’s make it simple.
Imagine a circle. The circle is filled with information. This information can be anything from contracts to shopping lists.
When this information gets an update, another circle appears and connects itself to the first chain. Eventually, these circles form a chain, and the term blockchain is born. Each block is connected to every other block chronologically, and the chain goes on as long as it needs to.
Putting it this way, you might immediately think of old accounting books, and you would be absolutely correct. A blockchain is nothing more than a digital ledger. Any type of data can be recorded on a blockchain. What sets blockchains apart from the good old Excel sheet is security. Blockchains are nearly impossible to cheat or hack. But how? One word: decentralization.
Traditional ledgers use databases. The internet runs on databases, which have existed for decades. The problem with databases is that they use what’s called ‘CRUD.’ CRUD stands for create, read, update, and delete. In other words, you can enter a database, examine data, make the necessary changes, or delete information. As a result, security risks arise since you aren't the only one capable of doing all those things.
Third parties, hackers, and rogue administrators are all capable of changing or erasing your data.
This is why blockchain technology is absolutely revolutionary. Blockchains use a decentralized ledger. It is hosted on different computers, also known as nodes. This allows blockchain to support immutability. The moment data is written, it cannot be changed or erased, significantly minimizing the risk of third parties interfering.
Immutability offers more than just security. The immutability of blockchains makes them the most transparent and trustworthy ledgers out there. Blockchains have two functions: read and write. Which means you can retrieve information and add it to it. Databases, on the other hand, can be made public but can’t be verified by individuals. Blockchains solve this issue, which is why cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin prefer using them.
Using a blockchain depends on your individual needs. Some blockchains are public, but there are also private options. You can choose to use a "permission system" that limits viewing to specific users. Each method has pros and cons regarding usage and security, but there is no doubt that blockchains are the best technology currently available.
The metaverse era will be based on decentralized currencies. We will discuss blockchain’s role in cryptocurrencies in a moment. The bottom line is if you are interested in becoming a part of the metaverse, the blockchain is something with which you need to get familiar. Unless you do so, you will be vulnerable to market fluctuations, which are notoriously volatile in decentralized currencies.
