by Jacek Korneluk

About half a year ago I wrote a short article titled: Web3 is already in use, but most people never heard about it. How come?

It was dedicated to Web3 discovery and decentralised web promotion. Just to give you a glimpse of decentralisation and a feeling of freedom in a blockchain-based internet ecosystem.

For some reason, we still concentrating on Web3 existence but not mentioning an underlying blockchain. It looks like blockchain is a forgotten word currently. Almost not an existing topic in so-called “mainstream” news.

On the other hand, looking through jobs advertised by job agencies there is a lot of work dedicated to blockchain development. Coders are coding, developers developing, all quietly hidden under the internet “bonnet”. A vast number of digital professionals stitching invisible pullovers and mysterious infrastructure of multiple nets of blockchains.

Invisible to “masses” like us, and an “average Joe” – the everyday internet user. But please notice, invisible does not mean not existing. Why the blockchain topic is in the stealth mode we can speculate only.

It is all for our better good, I guess. So, nothing to worried! But to be sure and secure, better to be awoken and aware than unaware and sorry.

Even if someone claims he knows what is better for you, it is a good reason and awesome practice to familiarise yourself with a proposed technology and topic.  Learn about it!  Also, why not learn more about blockchain?

In this case:  I am talking about Blockchain and the (Web2 + Web3 = Web5) concept. Yep, Web5 – the best of both Webs.

I remember my friends and one-off-met people with whom I was sharing my early Web3 experience. The majority of them were looking at me as I was crazy or hallucinating. But what I was actually doing was promoting and sharing the good news about a new way of internet handling. Precisely by connecting through dApps or APIs to the blockchain.

And I was right. Despite receiving initially minimal attention, multiple acts of ignorance, and complete lack of understanding many of my friends learned a lot about this topic. Now we are talking!

After some attempts of early Web3 hopping, learning by mistakes, and some experimentation, they grow to the average level of Web5 experts. By Web5 expert I mean feeling cool and confident in both realities of Web2 and Web3.

We are steadily drifting in one direction towards undefined digital transformations. Partly in the stealth mode!  We may love it or hate it.

Consequently, we can accept it or ignore it, but it will affect a majority of us and our everyday lifestyle. Denying it only promotes acceptance.

Day after day we are closer to Web3 revelation in full blossom, and what is far more exciting we all going to use it. Whatever the form as DeFi of centralised electronic currency and CBDC banking. Also, supply chains, digital healthcare, governing, etc.

These are the consequences of mixing the best parts of the good old internet we know as (Web 2) with the new possibilities of the decentralised world named (Web 3).

To be perfectly honest with you, I cannot technically imagine using Web3 without using Web2. They were both born to marry and coexist together. That is my view and my opinion.

One is younger, the second is older, more established, and more reliable in some cases. Separately they are missing something essential. They need constant updates, changes, and improvements. Together, they are more complex and completed, therefore opening the new value for opportunities.

Well, as you can probably notice we are talking about the incredible fusion of Web 3 and Web 2 working parallel, independently, but in some cases together – let’s get used to the vision of Web 5 for now!

Some of us may remember the first time we connected to the internet, back in 90’ties when the World Wide Web was all shiny stuff and new. Well, prepare yourself, because Web 5 takes that feeling to a whole new level and dimension.

Let me mention a tale about my friend Bolo and his journey into a hybrid of cyberspace.

Imagine this: Web 3 is like a digital playground where you truly own all your toys. Picture having your prized NFTs, skins, virtual gadgets, and weapons right at your fingertips, no matter where you roam. It’s like having a magical backpack that carries all your digital treasures, much like jumping between different game realities. Cool, right? Now, add a sprinkle of good old’ Web 2 into the mix.

Bolo, a self-proclaimed tech-geek, was initially sceptical about Web 3. “Decentralisation sounds cool and all, but what about the familiar stuff we love from Web 2?” he asked.

That’s when he stumbled upon the concept of Web 5 – a harmonious blend of both worlds. It’s like your favourite cosy cafeteria (Web 2) serving a futuristic fusion of cocktails that grants you superpowers (Web 3).

Almost like superhumans, I guess.

In the digital world of Web 5, Bolo witnessed something magical – the power of decentralised apps (dApps) coexisting with the convenience of centralised platforms. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, but with data privacy added on top!

Imagine using your favourite social media app (Instagram or X-Twitter) while knowing that your data isn’t sold left and right like virtual hotcakes. You control what you share, and you reap the benefits. A theoretical win-win solution!

Now, don’t get me wrong. Web 5 isn’t all sunshine and ice-creams.

There’s a steep learning curve involved, just like when you first tried to teach your grandma to use emojis. But fear not! Learning about Web 5 is an exciting and rewarding journey that anyone can deal with. It’s like learning a new dance – you start with a few missteps, but soon you’re grooving like a pro.

If Web 3 still seems a bit vogue right now, take a breath. Trust me, I’ve been there too, scratching my head over terms like L1, L2, NFTs, digital assets, or cryptocurrency. But it is good to know, we’re all in this together!

Start by asking questions and dipping your toes into the basics. It’s like learning to ride an electric scooter; you might wobble at first, but soon you’re cruising down the digital highway with a smile on your face.

The future of Web 5 is an attractive blend of boundless imagination and real-world practicality. Think about it – artists and creators can finally get their due by directly selling their masterpieces through NFTs. No more excessive middlemen gobbling up the profits!

Businesses are also catching on to the Web 5 wave. Web 5 enables a world where you can truly own your digital purchases. No more losing access to your e-books, music, or movies due to a change in terms or service. With Web 5, you’re in the driver’s seat, and that’s a game-changer for both consumers and creators.

The fusion of Web 3 and Web 2 is a testament to the innovation and potential of the truly decentralised web, and it’s up to us to help and unlock its magic.

Remember, we’re like pioneers in a new digital frontier, and every click takes us deeper into uncharted territories. It’s an adventure where you get to shape the narrative, just like the hero in your favourite video game. So, click your mouse on an everyday basis, and let’s mine the gems of knowledge together.

The future is bright, whatever your age (in my case I am 60) and Web 5 is our ticket to ride and shape the digital revolution!

Together we are Stronger!

Here’s to embracing the past, present, and future of the web – welcome to the era of Web 5, where the only limit is our knowledge, mind-openness, and imagination.

Originally published at https://spektrumlab.io on September 17, 2023.