Web3 is a term that describes the next evolution of the internet, which is based on decentralization and often uses blockchain technologies, such as different cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The goal is to create a more open, fair, and democratic web, where users have more say over their own data, identity, and assets, and where middlemen and gatekeepers are replaced by peer-to-peer networks and protocols. Web3 is different from Web2, the current version of the internet, which depends on centralized platforms and services that offer user-generated content, social media, and e-commerce. Web2 has brought a lot of innovation, connectivity, and convenience, but it has also caused problems such as data leaks, privacy violations, censorship, misinformation, and monopolization. Web3 tries to solve these problems by using the power of blockchain, a technology that records transactions in a secure, transparent, and unchangeable way. Blockchain allows the creation of digital assets that are rare, verifiable, and customizable, such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Cryptocurrencies are digital money that can be used for various purposes, such as payment, saving, or accounting, without the need for a central authority or intermediary. NFTs are unique digital codes that can prove ownership and authenticity of any digital or physical item, such as art, music, or collectibles. Web3 also depends on the concept of smart contracts, which are agreements that are programmed on the blockchain and can do various things, such as sending money, checking conditions, or triggering events. Smart contracts enable the creation of decentralized applications (DApps), which are applications that run on a network of computers, rather than on a single server or company. DApps can offer various services, such as decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, social media, and more. What is the main driver for Web3 in 2024? In my opinion, Web3 is still in its early stages of development, and there are many challenges and uncertainties that need to be overcome before it can reach mass adoption. Some of these challenges include scalability, interoperability, usability, regulation, and security. However, there are also many factors that are driving the growth and innovation of Web3 in 2024, such as: • The growing demand for digital sovereignty, privacy, and security, as users become more aware and concerned about the risks and drawbacks of Web2, such as data misuse, surveillance, manipulation, and censorship. Web3 gives users more control and ownership over their own data, identity, and assets, as well as more transparency and accountability over the platforms and services they use. • The increasing popularity and value of cryptocurrencies and NFTs, as more people, brands and institutions recognize their potential as alternative forms of money, investment, and expression. Cryptocurrencies and NFTs enable new ways of creating, exchanging, and storing value, as well as new forms of art, culture, and community. • The emergence and development of new technologies and standards that enable faster, cheaper, and more efficient transactions and interactions on the blockchain, such as layer-2 solutions, cross-chain bridges, decentralized identifiers, and verifiable credentials. These technologies and standards aim to improve the scalability, interoperability, and usability of Web3, making it more accessible and attractive to a wider audience. • The support and involvement of various stakeholders, such as developers, entrepreneurs, investors, regulators, and users, who are contributing to the innovation and adoption of Web3. Developers are creating new and improved DApps and protocols that provide various solutions and opportunities for Web3 users. Entrepreneurs are launching new and exciting projects and platforms that leverage the power of Web3. Investors are funding and supporting the growth and development of Web3 projects and platforms. Regulators are providing guidance and clarity on the legal and regulatory aspects of Web3. And users are exploring and experimenting with the various possibilities and benefits of Web3. Do you think NFTs will have a big comeback? NFTs are one of the most prominent and controversial aspects of Web3. NFTs have been used to create and trade digital art, music, collectibles, and other forms of creative expression, generating billions of dollars in sales and attracting mainstream attention and participation. However, NFTs have also faced criticism and skepticism, due to their environmental impact, legal ambiguity, and speculative nature. According to Cryptoslam, NFTs experienced a huge boom in 2022, reaching a peak of over $23 billion in sales. As we all know, they also suffered a sharp decline in the following months, dropping to less than $8 billion in sales in the 2023. This was due to various factors, such as market saturation, regulatory uncertainty, technical issues, and fraud. Despite the past slump, NFTs have shown signs of recovery and resilience in 2024, thanks to several developments and trends, such as: • The improvement and adoption of more energy-efficient and eco-friendly blockchain technologies, such as proof-of-stake, layer-2 solutions, and carbon offsetting. These technologies aim to reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint of NFTs, which have been a major source of criticism and concern. • The emergence and popularity of new and diverse forms and genres of NFTs, such as gaming, metaverse, music, sports, and social media. These forms and genres of NFTs offer more utility, functionality, and interactivity to users, as well as more opportunities for creators, artists, and celebrities. • The integration and collaboration of NFTs with other Web3 platforms and services, such as DeFi, DAOs, and DEXs. These platforms and services enable new and innovative ways of creating, financing, governing, and exchanging NFTs, as well as enhancing their value and liquidity. • The recognition and acceptance of NFTs by various institutions, organizations, and individuals, such as museums, galleries, brands, celebrities, and influencers. These entities are using NFTs to showcase, promote, and monetize their work, as well as to engage and reward their fans and followers. Therefore, I think that NFTs will have a big comeback in 2024, as they continue to evolve and expand their scope and impact. It will not only be a form of digital art, but also a form of digital identity, culture, and economy. It will not only be a niche and novelty, but also a norm and necessity. In my opinion, NFTs will not only be a part of Web3, but also a driver of Web3. Conclusion Web3 is a vision for a new and improved internet, where users have more freedom, power, and value. Web3 is driven by various factors, such as the demand for digital sovereignty, the popularity of cryptocurrencies and NFTs, the innovation of new technologies and standards, and the support of various stakeholders. It is also challenged by various obstacles, such as scalability, interoperability, usability, regulation, and security. Other visionaries such as Anndy Lian who talks about Web4, Jack Dorsey on Web5 and Justin Sun on Web6, I still believe Web3 is still in its infancy, and its future is uncertain and unpredictable. It is full of potential and promise, and its future is exciting and inspiring. NFTs are one of the most prominent and controversial aspects of Web3. NFTs have been used to create and trade digital assets, generating billions of dollars in sales and attracting mainstream attention and participation. NFTs have also faced criticism and skepticism, due to their environmental impact, legal ambiguity, and speculative nature. NFTs experienced a huge boom and a sharp decline, but they have shown signs of recovery and resilience in 2024, thanks to several developments and trends, such as the improvement and adoption of more eco-friendly blockchain technologies, the emergence and popularity of new and diverse forms and genres of NFTs, the integration and collaboration of NFTs with other Web3 platforms and services, and the recognition and acceptance of NFTs by various institutions, organizations, and individuals. Web3 and NFTs are not just technologies, but also movements and cultures. They represent a new way of thinking and living in the digital age, where users are empowered, connected, and creative.

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Web3: A New Frontier or a False Dawn?

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Jenny Zheng

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Web3: A New Frontier or a False Dawn?

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Jenny Zheng

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