• Comment: Doing some research, nobody has yet agreed on what Web 4 actually is, there are some semi-scholarly publications that have put out papers floating concepts about how Web 4 is going to look, but there is no actual consensus on what it will look like or what it's components will be. Any attempt at defining it is effectively try to read a crystal ball into the future.
    This article is aggressively pushing Linkspreed and web4.one's version of how such a future for Web4 ignoring all other viewpoint. It is effectively a persuasive essay which is also a thinly veiled marketing attempt. This is contrary to the purpose of Wikipedia.
    If and when the concept of Web4 gains academic or mainstream consensus any good-faith editor is welcomed to submit a neutrally worded and reliably referenced draft for this topic area. For now, this submission is considered rejected. Sohom (talk) 23:33, 24 August 2024 (UTC)

Web4 represents a conceptual evolution in the development of the internet, following the progression from Web1, through Web2, to Web3. This next iteration emphasizes decentralization, community control, and user autonomy, aiming to address some of the limitations and challenges encountered in earlier web models.

[1]Concept and Principles

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Web4 is designed to foster a more decentralized and user-driven internet. The core principles of Web4 include:

  • Decentralization: Unlike Web3, which is often associated with blockchain and cryptocurrencies, Web4 aims to decentralize the internet by distributing control and management away from centralized platforms. This approach seeks to empower users and communities to operate independently of dominant corporate entities.[2]
  • Community Control: At the heart of Web4 is the idea of community-driven networks. Users are encouraged to create and manage their own digital spaces, giving them greater control over their interactions and data. This model contrasts sharply with Web2’s centralized social media platforms and Web3’s often opaque blockchain systems.[3]
  • User Autonomy: Web4 emphasizes the importance of user choice and autonomy. It allows individuals to join or form decentralized communities based on their interests and needs, without being constrained by the algorithms and policies of centralized services.

History and Evolution

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The concept of Web4 emerged as a response to the limitations of Web1, Web2 and Web3.

  • Web1, often referred to as the "Static Web" or "Read-Only Web," was the first phase of the internet, emerging in the early 1990s. During this period, websites were primarily composed of static pages, and content was delivered in a one-way format. Users could consume information but had little to no ability to interact with or contribute to the content. The early internet was decentralized in the sense that many small, independent websites existed, but the tools for user interaction and content creation were limited.
  • Web2: Characterized by user-generated content and the rise of social media platforms, Web2 shifted control to a few large tech companies. While it democratized content creation, it also led to concerns about data privacy, algorithmic control, and the monopolistic tendencies of major platforms.
  • Web3: Promising decentralization through blockchain technology, Web3 faced challenges including the proliferation of scams and a lack of widespread adoption. Despite its innovative approach, Web3 did not fully address the issues of centralization and transparency.

Web4 builds upon these experiences by introducing a more refined model of decentralization and community engagement. It seeks to create an internet where users have more say in their online environments and where communities can thrive independently.[4]

Web4 Lite

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One of the key components of Web4 is the Web4 Lite platform. This is an open-source foundation designed to facilitate the creation and management of decentralized communities. Web4 Lite operates under community-driven open-source licenses, ensuring transparency and accessibility. It provides essential tools for users to build and sustain their own digital spaces, promoting the principles of decentralization and community control.[5]

Variants and Offerings

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Web4 encompasses various models and implementations to cater to different needs:

  • Community-Based Variants: These versions allow individuals and groups to establish and govern their own communities. They are designed to be flexible and adaptable, supporting a wide range of use cases from small user groups to larger networks.[6]
  • Scalable Solutions: For more complex requirements, Web4 offers scalable solutions that can accommodate high-traffic and dynamic environments. These solutions include advanced features and enhanced support to ensure that larger communities can operate efficiently and securely.

Impact and Reception

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Web4 has generated interest as a potential solution to the issues faced by current internet models. Its focus on decentralization and community empowerment addresses key concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic manipulation, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few large entities.

However, Web4 is still in its development stages, and its long-term impact will depend on its adoption and the effectiveness of its implementation. The concept has been discussed and analyzed in various articles and forums, highlighting its potential to reshape the internet's future.

References

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  1. ^ Hall, Wendy; Tiropanis, Thanassis (2012-12-17). "Web evolution and Web Science". Computer Networks. The WEB we live in. 56 (18): 3859–3865. doi:10.1016/j.comnet.2012.10.004. ISSN 1389-1286.
  2. ^ Zhou, Zihan; Li, Zihao; Zhang, Xiaoshuai; Sun, Yunqing; Xu, Hao (2023). A Review of Gaps between Web 4.0 and Web 3.0 Intelligent Network Infrastructure. pp. 1–6. arXiv:2308.02996. doi:10.1109/WF-IoT58464.2023.10539509. ISBN 979-8-3503-1161-7. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  3. ^ Web4 (2024-06-21). "Web4 — The community-based internet of the future". Medium. Retrieved 2024-08-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ "What is Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0? Definitions, Differences & Similarities". Simplilearn.com. 2022-04-25. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  5. ^ "Web4 Decentralized". Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  6. ^ Dharmadhikari, Prof Sanjay (2018-01-20). "EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER CONVERSION IN CONTEXT OF WEB4.0". Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems. 23 (1). ISSN 1006-5911.