Web 2.0
Meaning
Web 2.0 describes the perceived second generation of the World Wide Web, emphasizing user-generated content, interactivity, and social networking.
Origin
The phrase "Web 2.0" wasn't coined in a research paper but rather in a brainstorming session between O'Reilly Media and MediaLive International in 2004. They were planning a conference and needed a catchy title to describe the perceived evolution of the internet. Tim O'Reilly, a prominent technology publisher, quickly championed the term, articulating its core principles. He observed a profound shift from static, read-only websites to dynamic, interactive platforms where users were not just consumers but active creators and sharers. This new web harnessed collective intelligence, making applications like Wikipedia, social media, and blogs the defining stars of an era focused on participation, collaboration, and a "web as a platform" philosophy that fundamentally reshaped our digital lives.
Examples
- Many early social media platforms and wikis are excellent examples of Web 2.0 applications.
- The shift from static websites to interactive platforms marked the defining characteristic of Web 2.0.