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Web3 Explained: The Next Chapter of the Internet

  • Writer: Shefali Sharma
    Shefali Sharma
  • Apr 13
  • 3 min read

The internet started as a quiet library of static pages, simple documents, linked together. That era, often called Web 1.0, was about consuming information, not contributing.



Then came Web 2.0. Suddenly, people didn’t just read they posted, liked, shared. Social platforms like Facebook and YouTube turned users into the product. Control shifted to a few massive tech firms who shaped what we saw and how we interacted.


Now, the landscape is shifting again. Enter Web3, a reimagined internet where individuals can transact, build, and connect on open protocols no middlemen required.


What Web3 Really Means


At its core, Web3 is a decentralized framework built on blockchain. Instead of relying on companies to manage user data or facilitate payments, the network itself handles it with transparency and security baked in.


This unlocks new possibilities:


  • Individuals own their identity and data

  • Developers create apps that no single entity can shut down

  • Payments move without banks

  • Communities earn by contributing directly


The Noise Around Web3


There’s excitement and skepticism. Some people see a new digital frontier. Others see a playground for hype and speculation. Both exist.


Many projects are genuinely pushing boundaries. Others are capitalizing on buzzwords. And yes, scams are a concern. The key is to focus on ideas with real traction, not short-term noise.


Why Crypto Still Matters


Decentralization doesn’t require a token. But incentive structures do. That’s where cryptocurrency plays a role.


Crypto enables:


  • Direct payments between users

  • Incentives for running the infrastructure

  • Ownership models for creators and contributors


It’s not about replacing banks it’s about giving people new ways to interact economically.


Building Blocks of a Decentralized App


To understand how dApps (decentralized apps) work, let’s look at Ethereum. Think of it as a global computer where each action has a cost, paid in Ether (ETH).


You write logic into a smart contract a small program that governs how users interact. Instead of hosting it on AWS, this code lives directly on the blockchain.


Users don’t sign in with passwords. They use crypto wallets like MetaMask to prove identity, approve actions, and access the app.


Understanding Tokens and NFTs


A token is a digital representation of value. It could be a currency like ETH, a membership pass, or a piece of art.


  • Fungible tokens are interchangeable (1 ETH = 1 ETH)

  • Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent unique assets like digital art, real estate, or collectibles


NFTs aren’t just images they’re proof of ownership in a system that anyone can verify.


The Web3 Tech Stack


Frontend

You’ll still use tools like React or Next.js. The big shift is how users log in and how your app talks to the blockchain. Wallets like MetaMask provide connection points, while libraries like ethers.js help you interact with smart contracts.


Backend

Instead of writing APIs in Node.js or Python, developers use Solidity to create smart contracts. Tools like Hardhat or Truffle simplify the development and deployment process.


Storage

Not all data fits on a blockchain. That’s where tools like IPFS come in decentralised storage networks that keep files available without relying on a single server.


Getting Your Hands Dirty


If you’re curious to try it out:


  • Use Remix IDE to write and test Solidity contracts directly in your browser

  • Explore OpenZeppelin for secure contract templates

  • Watch creators like Nader Dabit or HashLips for accessible tutorials on dApps and NFTs


If you’re not a developer, start with a wallet like MetaMask. Visit marketplaces, explore apps, try simple transactions. The best way to learn is by doing.


One Last Thought


Web3 isn’t a single app or coin. It’s a shift in architecture one that rethinks how we interact online.


Some people will build. Others will explore. Everyone will have a chance to choose their level of involvement, without being locked into someone else’s rules.


If you found this helpful, follow me on X (@ShefaliOnChain) for more simple breakdowns of complex crypto topics.


Let’s decode the future of money together.

 
 
 

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