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Web 3.0 Series - Part 2
The Intelligent Web
According to Allan Cho, an Internet savvy web blogger, the next decade of the web is based on a combination of artificial and human intelligence. Although artificial intelligence is generally received with much scepticism, this aspect could dramatically improve our online worlds and remove the hassle of digging through mounds of irrelevant information.
The artificial component will draw on the human element using social sources to retrieve information that is personalized and relevant to the specific user. Google currently provides a generic search function, where users receive the same results for a particular phrase or keyword.
In the near future, search engines will produce individual results for each user by ‘understanding’ the user’s context. An expert should get different results to those received by a beginner.
Allan Cho says Web 3.0 is far superior as it utilizes the following tools:
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Natural language search and processing
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Machine-based learning and reasoning
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Intelligent applications
Effectively it will draw on the social bookmarking and media sites of Web 2.0 but eliminate the human manipulation that currently alters the result in a negative way. A user-tailored web is on the horizon!
The Semantic Web
The semantic web is the appealing component of Web 3.0. For the first time ever, the web will have the ability to realize what the data actually means. A search query will no longer be a string of random words that are matched up to the highest ranking pages. Instead a phrase will have inherent value and results are derived from understanding the full question.
Nova Spivack, Web 3.0 evangelist and guru explains that the web and search engines in particular will be able to “understand infinite pieces of information” by “connecting chunks of data”. The semantic web focuses on the human ability to be synchronized with the digital element on a much deeper level.
Spivack identifies two themes that will ensure the progression from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0:
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Present/Timeliness
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Personal
The ‘present’ factor ensures information and data are considered relevant depending on how recent it is. Realtime search will be taken to a whole new level.
The ‘personal’ factor refers to a shift from the social rankings of data to understanding a user’s needs and requirements and capturing information based on preferences.
These two themes will greatly affect the current web model and turn the Internet into your very own personal assistant. The more you use it, the better is understands your needs.
The Virtual Web
A smaller contributing element to the arrival of Web 3.0 is the implementation of virtual worlds. 3D web has already started to infiltrate the user experience with sites like Second Life, which creates a digital world reflecting real life. The aim of this virtual manifestation is to encourage a more connected and integrated user experience where all material objects are linked to your online world.
Web 3.0 Today
There are still many debates as to what exactly Web 3.0 will entail and how far into our lives it will reach. Whether or not you believe that in a few more years you will be living a life through a virtual web, Web 3.0 has already started and is gaining strong momentum. The Semantic Web is a very real development and it’s happening now.
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