Web 2.0 and Traditional Media

From newspapers, radios, tv, cell phones to the world wide web and internet – the world is constantly evolving with new ideas to present the same information. The beginning of newspapers in the United States was in 1690. The Department of Defence took part in the creation of the World Wide Web. Web 2.0 evolved from the first version of the web to a more user-friendly space open for creativity. Although Web 2.0 is still relatively new, Web 3.0 is already in the works of creation.

The beginning of print newspapers was as early as 1566 all the way out in Venice. It wasn’t until 1690 that the first newspaper was printed in the United States of America (1). For the United States, the newspaper began as a political force for American independence from England (2).  Publick Occurrences, Both Foreign and Domestick was printed by Richard Pierce and edited by Benjamin Harris beginning in September of 1960. It was only three pages long, but full of essential information about the local and foreign news at the time (3).

In the United Stated, the Department of Defence was actually the first officials in the United States to begin researching what the internet was, if it would be a good idea to start implementing it into the government and funding the creation of it (Ball State University TCOM 101 class, Mrs. Waters. 2018). The first computer network used “packet switching” which is the earliest form of the web. Packet switching is the most basic definition of the internet, “a method of grouping data which is transmitted over a digital network into packets” (4).

Taken from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/318207529903597791

There are three key aspects to Web 2.0 that distinguishes it from other versions of the web. The first key aspect is interpersonal computing which added the ability to exchange digital media and leave messages and comments within social forums. Some online examples of interpersonal computing would be Facebook, Twitter, and any other social media. The second key aspect is web services which is the mash-up of multiple online services such as the combination of eBay and PayPal or Facebook and YouTube. The third and last key aspect of Web 2.0 is software as a service.

Although Web 2.0 may still seem relatively new, Web 3.0 is already in the works. Otherwise known as “The Internet of Things” or IoT for short (6), Web 3.0 is the implementation of the internet within normal-day objects. Some examples of what Web 3.0 is would be Alexa, Smart Homes, Apple Watches, etc. The idea of Web 3.0 was discussed as early as 1982 with the idea of a modified Coke machine, but it wasn’t until the early 2000’s that it fully began to evolve.

I believe that the evolution of the world wide web and internet is very interesting and important for any future career as it becomes more and more prominent in the workspace. I personally am working on my Bachelor’s Degree at Ball State, majoring in Marketing and minoring in Entrepreneurial Management and for my first semester courses here I am already taking three classes that circle around computer sciences and the internet: ISOM 210, JOUR 206, and TCOM 100. Outside of in-school courses, I am also involved in a local robotics team where I’m constantly learning about new terms and news even as a mentor of the media subteam.