Web3 Gives Us a Way to Take Back Control from Google, Meta, and Other Big Tech

Written by normbond | Published 2023/04/27
Tech Story Tags: web3 | nft | defi | crypto | metaverse | gaming-industry | non-fungible-tokens | web3.0

TLDRWeb3 is the decentralized version of the internet that is powered by blockchain technology. With the rise of Web3, entrepreneurs, creators and brands are able to leverage the power of personalized marketing. The people are fed up with being controlled by a few powerful forces and seek to create a more open and democratic system.via the TL;DR App

Campaigns powered by Web3 engage customers in a way that was never possible before.

Ready to create new revenue streams and build stronger relationships? With the rise of blockchain technology, entrepreneurs, creators and brands are able to leverage the power of personalized marketing. Businesses use these new tools to reach out to their target audience in a more effective and efficient manner.

Established brands like Starbucks are having success with NFTs. Celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton are creating and investing.

Read on to see how Web3, NFTs and blockchain technology promise to create a new digital reality.

Web3 is the next big thing in the world of digital marketing. In simple terms, it is the decentralized version of the internet that is powered by blockchain technology.

The concept is like a revolution that seeks to overthrow an oppressive regime. The people are fed up with being controlled by a few powerful forces and seek to create a more open and democratic system.

Overview of Web3 Revolution

The World Wide Web has gone through dramatic changes over the past thirty years. It started out as a basic communication tool. But it evolved to a vast, global network of interconnected devices and systems.

And it’s still evolving. To stay ahead, you need to understand these changes. What impact will they have on your work, your family and your life?

If you value your online experience, you can’t ignore the power and control of the big tech giants. They own the social media networks, search engines and video production platforms. Their oppressive tactics keep profits in the hands of a few while locking out millions of creators worldwide. They restrict how we live, work and play.

So, it’s time to take back control. It’s time to create our own destinies in this digital age. We need to stop relying solely on these big tech companies and start building our own communities and platforms.

You see, it’s not just about the profits they’re making. It’s about the data they’re collecting and the power they have to shape our opinions and control our behavior. We need to be more conscious of the content we consume and the algorithms that feed it to us.

But how do we do that? How do we fight back against these giants?

As users it seems we have little control over our data and content. Passwords are leaked, personal data is sold and our timelines are flooded with adverts. Post the wrong message and you can be banned without notice (read the TOS, go ahead it’s in there).

For business owners the risks are huge. Your accounts can easily be restricted or kicked off the platform. Years of investing resources and building an audience can vanish in an instant.

Web3 is a game-changer.

Unlike Web2, which is controlled by centralized entities, Web3 provides a more decentralized approach. This means businesses can interact directly with their customers, without the need for middlemen and intermediaries.

As a highly skilled digital marketer, I am excited about the possibilities this movement brings to the table.

Web3: A Better Way

One of the biggest advantages of Web3 for businesses is that it allows them to interact with their customers in a more personalized manner.

This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for brands. They can tailor their marketing messages and campaigns to specific customer needs, preferences and interests.

Web3 is good for users. It is a necessary step towards building a more open and decentralized internet. Many of us have concerns over data privacy and security. Web3 provides more control over our online data and privacy.

“Well folks, with Web3, you can finally feel like a superhero and protect your online data from those pesky villains trying to steal it.”

Web3 is not only an exciting movement. The blockchain is more secure than a centralized database. Let’s look deeper at how the technology makes this all possible.

Under the hood Web3 enables peer-to-peer transactions. Think A-to-B and B-to-A. Say goodbye to the middleman markup. Intermediaries and third parties make conducting business more expensive and slow.

Imagine a global network of people, working together to manage the new web. The goal is to build a more secure and open internet controlled by users. It shatters the idea of only one entity having authority.

But wait there’s more.

Big tech controls online experience

Giant multi-billion dollar companies control nearly every aspect of your online experience. The apps you use, the pictures you share and the ways you shop — all include pieces of your personal details. You think they’re safe.

Unfortunately, large companies like Google and Facebook are notoriously bad at protecting your privacy. Apple, Meta, Google and Twitter have all disclosed cybersecurity attacks over the past 12-months. They are not alone.

Remember the Activision data breach? How about the T-Mobile hack? Google Fi? What about the “unauthorized parties” that accessed PayPal customer accounts? These are just a few of the instances where huge amounts of personal data have been lost or stolen.

And it gets worse. Last year Slack, the business comms platform reported “suspicious activity” on their GitHub account.

Even ChatGPT, the hottest new thing in tech, reported a bug that caused the chatbot to leak some personal data of customers.

Cyber-criminals like to use this info for phishing scams. They send emails that may look legit at first glance — but are fake. Their goal is to access your banking, credit card or other valuable data so they can get paid. Many people are tricked into clicking and entering more personal info. The losses are in the billions.

Shut Up and Let Us Take Your Money

These same online giants are always coming up with new ways to get even more of your money. You’ve seen the notifications. “Boost this post for more reach.” Or “Buy this blue check for X dollars per month.” We want you to “Become a premium member to access this feature and view more profiles.” There is no end in sight.

Here’s the part they don’t want you to think about. The basis of their business model is user generated content (UGC). It’s all the rage in marketing circles. Yeah I’m looking at you TikTok.

Those viral videos, shares and clicks attract more users like you to the platform. They increase monthly advertising revenue for the big boys. And you don’t even get a slice of the profits.

The Internet Has Fallen

We can clearly see that the internet is broken.


Web3 is not just about connecting devices and systems, but about connecting people — in new and exciting ways.

This new web gives users the ability to monetize their data. You have the power to earn revenue from your personal information. Get ready for a more democratic, secure and user-centric online experience. Web3 brings even more dramatic changes than the last thirty years.

According to a report by Statista, as of January 2023, there were 5.16 billion internet users worldwide, which is 64.4 percent of the global population. Of this total, 4.76 billion, or 59.4 percent of the world’s population, were social media users.

With my expertise in digital marketing, content writing and SEO, I like to help businesses leverage Web3 to reach their target audience in innovative ways.

Stay ahead of the curve

As businesses strive to stay ahead of the curve, the adoption of Web3 technology has become increasingly important. Decentralized platforms can be designed to serve specific industries or niches. This is particularly useful for companies that deal with products or services that are not easily accessible through traditional channels.

By creating a decentralized marketplace on the blockchain, businesses can eliminate intermediaries and connect directly with prospects and customers. This reduces costs and improves customer experience. It provides a more personalized approach to marketing and customer engagement. Increased loyalty and customer retention can result for brands.

Another key benefit of Web3 technology is that it allows for secure and transparent transactions. This is particularly relevant for businesses that operate in industries such as logistics, healthcare and finance where trust and security are crucial. By leveraging the blockchain, these companies can create unchangeable records of transactions.

This reduces the risk of fraud and errors. For example, a healthcare provider using Web3 technology can securely store patient medical records on the blockchain, ensuring that the data is immutable and only accessible by authorized parties.

Web3 technology also enables businesses to create new revenue streams. dApps are decentralized apps designed to solve specific problems or provide exclusive services. They use smart contracts and blockchain technology to revolutionize how people interact.

The magic happens when we create value for users while increasing revenue for brands. It’s a win-win situation.

The Rails Are in Place

Another way businesses can leverage Web3 is by creating decentralized content platforms that reward creators and consumers for their contributions.

With Web3, businesses can create decentralized social media platforms, where users can earn tokens for their content contributions. Businesses can use these tokens to incentivize users to engage with their brand.

This creates a win-win situation for both businesses and users. It’s a powerful way to boost brand loyalty and engagement. Consider this.

Calaxy is a Web3 social media app that lets creators sell their own crypto tokens to fans.

The holders can redeem the tokens for exclusive content, video messages and other forms of access to those creators. The app was co-founded by NBA baller Spencer Dinwiddie and raised $26 million in new funding in 2022.

Web3 Attracts Attention From Investors

The growing influence of venture capitalists over the development of Web3 is causing concern. Some believe prioritizing profit-oriented motives could weaken the original principles. Decentralization and open access may get lost. Smaller community-driven projects that are more inclusive and grassroots in nature could suffer.

Typically VCs support projects that they believe will generate massive profitable returns. This is a sharp turn from the motives that initially drove the creation of Web3 technology.

Investing in Web3 companies requires a delicate balance between governance and control. VCs need to ensure that their investments are well-governed. On the other hand, they need to give enough control to the Web3 startups to allow them to innovate and pivot as needed.

The Future of Web3

Web3 has been the subject of some criticism. Elon Musk said (before buying Twitter) it was “more marketing than reality,” adding “I don’t get it.”

Jack Dorsey, the former Twitter CEO said, “Web3 won’t democratize anything, but will simply shift power from existing incumbents like Facebook to venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz.”

He also criticized Web3 for failing to address issues related to climate change and sustainability.

It will be important for Web3 developers, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts to address these concerns. We don’t need to have the same old coffee warmed over. The new tech needs to be sustainable and equitable for all.

“The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.”

— Leonard I. Sweet

Despite these criticisms, Web3 continues to gain momentum. From finance to healthcare, social media and entertainment — disruption is coming. Web3 evolves and use cases appear at breakneck speed.

Ultimately, the direction Web3 technology takes will depend on the priorities and values of those driving its development — the market.

While investors may bring valuable resources and expertise to the table, it is crucial that they work collaboratively with developers, community members and other stakeholders.

Use Case: Web3 Gaming

Web3 gaming has been gaining popularity in recent years, and it is not hard to see why. Traditional gaming platforms are often centralized, and players do not have complete control over their assets.

With Web3 gaming, players have complete ownership and control over their in-game assets, and the games are often decentralized, making them more secure and transparent.

Another reason for the growing popularity of Web3 gaming is the potential for players to earn real money through the games. In some Web3 games, players can earn cryptocurrency or other digital assets that can be traded for real money.

This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for gamers, and it is no surprise that more players are becoming interested in Web3 gaming.

The opportunity to earn real money through Web3 gaming is a strong driving force behind the growing popularity of these games. Web3 gaming and virtual reality go hand in hand. The metaverse is a fully immersive virtual reality experience.

Gamers have the ability to move and interact with the environment in a virtual setting. Web3 gaming in virtual reality is the closest we can get to a true virtual world.

However, these benefits come with their own set of challenges. For example, managing decentralized networks and ensuring security. This requires game developers and publishers to be careful in their approach to Web3 integration.

Successful projects carefully assess the needs of the gaming communities. There are several Web3 gaming platforms in the metaverse, and each has its unique features and benefits. Some of the top Web3 gaming platforms in the metaverse include Decentraland, The Sandbox, and Somnium Space.

Decentraland is a virtual world built on the Ethereum blockchain, and it allows users to create, experience, and monetize content and applications. The Sandbox is a virtual gaming platform that allows players to create and share their own gaming experiences. Somnium Space is a virtual world that allows players to create and monetize their own experiences and assets.

Ultimately, the key to successfully navigating Web3 integration in the video game industry is to strike a balance between innovation and practicality. For example, a video game company might innovate by incorporating blockchain technology for secure ownership of in-game assets. But it must also consider the practicality of making the process user-friendly and accessible to the average gamer.

This approach allows entrepreneurs to take advantage of new opportunities while mitigating the associated risks.

Getting involved in Web3 gaming is easy, and there are several ways to get started. The first step is to research and find a Web3 gaming platform that suits your interests. Once you have found a platform, you can create an account and start playing the games.


You can also get involved in Web3 gaming communities and events. These communities are a great way to connect with other players and learn more about Web3 gaming. Attending Web3 gaming events is also a great way to learn about the latest trends and developments in the industry.

Web3 gaming is changing the way we think about gaming and virtual reality, and it is opening up new opportunities for players to earn a living. With the ability for players to truly own their in-game assets and the potential to earn real money through the games, Web3 gaming is becoming more popular than ever.

“There is no doubt that Web3 gaming is revolutionizing the way we experience virtual reality and creating exciting new economic opportunities for gamers.”

— Ernest Cline, author of Ready Player One.

As virtual reality technology continues to advance, we can expect Web3 gaming in the metaverse to become even more immersive and realistic. The future of Web3 gaming is bright, and it is exciting to think about what the future holds for this industry.

NFTs: Unique Digital Assets on Blockchain

Another way that businesses can leverage Web3 is through the use of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). NFTs are unique digital assets that are stored on the blockchain. They cannot be replicated or copied. Their metadata makes them extremely valuable. Businesses can use NFTs to create stunning marketing campaigns. They capture the attention of their target audience in ways that can go viral.

For example, a business could create an NFT that gives customers access to exclusive content or discounts, which can only be redeemed using the token. This not only provides customers with a unique and valuable experience but also helps businesses to build a loyal customer base.

Starbucks Odyssey, the coffee company’s Web3 loyalty program, released its first limited edition NFTs in March.

The “Siren Collection”, includes 2,000 NFTs on offer valued at $100 a piece with each called “Journey Stamps”.

The activity was brisk with Starbucks selling out all 2,000 Siren items in just 18 minutes. Since then the secondary market has gone into overdrive, with one NFT trading for over $2,000 according to Nifty Gateway. As of this update, the floor price for a Siren Stamp has already passed $550.

Starbucks first launched its NFT and Web3 push in December, when it introduced Starbucks Odyssey. The program is still in invitation-only beta. It is an extension of the existing rewards program that offers customers perks like free drinks upgrades.

Odyssey promises to deliver new benefits like digital collectibles and immersive coffee experiences that customers cannot get anywhere else.

In the world of Web, NFTs have emerged as a revolutionary technology. They have the potential to change the way people think about digital ownership and property.

What makes NFTs so revolutionary is they allow for digital ownership to be tracked and verified in a way that was never before possible.

Digital creators such as artists, musicians and writers can connect directly to a global audience. For the first time in history they can sell their work as unique and valuable digital assets to fans without needing middlemen.

“Finally, I can share my sick beats with the world without those pesky record label guys trying to make me wear pants.”

NFTs have made a huge impact on the art world. Many digital artworks are selling for millions of dollars via NFT marketplaces. But the potential applications of NFTs go far beyond the world of art.

They can be used to represent ownership of virtual real estate in virtual worlds. And NFTs can be used to create unique digital identities that could replace traditional forms of identification.

You can have digital ownership of real estate, cars and precious metals. And because of blockchain technology you don’t need a third party to confirm your ownership.

Look we’re not just monkeying around in this space.

The power of NFTs is much more than a selling a bunch of apes over the internet and making millions like the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs. Because of this technology almost anything can be tokenized.

Web3 allows businesses to create decentralized applications and interactive content that can increase engagement, build brand loyalty, and lead to increased revenue.

Brands can develop interactive games, quizzes, and other forms of content that are sure to keep their customers engaged for longer periods. This helps to build a stronger relationship between companies and their customers.

Right now we’re at a crossroad. Early Adopters and Innovators are in the game. But we’re in the early days and everyone is still trying to figure it out. There’s an opportunity for this technology to be made impactful for mass audiences.

Conclusion

The future of the internet is in our hands. Web3 is the solution that can help us shape it in a positive direction. It is a game-changer for businesses looking to reach their target audience in new and innovative ways.

Business owners can leverage blockchain technology to create more personalized marketing messages. With NFTs brands can create unique campaigns. They can also produce interactive and engaging content. If you’re looking for ways to take your business to the next level, Web3 is definitely worth exploring.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt

The vision of Web3 is to create a more equitable and decentralized internet. It enables users to take control of their data and digital identities. As the world moves towards a more decentralized and distributed future Web3 will play a crucial role in shaping the internet landscape.

For entrepreneurs, creators and brands now is the time to make your move. Are you feeling the Web3 vibes or not?

If you want to learn more see the free NFT webinar. It will help you continue your journey in this exciting space.


Written by normbond | Digital Marketer | Consultant | Strategist | AI & ChatGPT, Business, Web3, Crypto, DeFi, Blockchain
Published by HackerNoon on 2023/04/27