Cryptocurrency isn’t just about money—it’s the backbone of Web3, the next era of the internet. If you use the internet today, you’re already primed to understand blockchain’s revolutionary potential. Here’s how Web3 shifts control from corporations to users.

The Three Eras of the Internet

1. 1. Web1 (1990s–2000s): The Read-Only Era
      • Static websites: No user interaction, logins, or social media.
      • Limited access: Only tech-savvy users with hardware could participate.
      • Example: Early sites like GeoCities, where content was consumed passively.

1. 2. Web2 (2000s–Present): The Read-Write Era
      • User participation: Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Amazon let users create, shop, and socialize.
      • Centralized control: Five tech giants—Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, and Apple—dominate 90% of web traffic.
      • Problem: Users don’t own their data, content, or followers. Platforms profit from ads and user data without sharing value.

1. 3. Web3 (Emerging): The Read-Write-Own Era
      • True ownership: Blockchain technology lets users own digital assets (e.g., cryptocurrencies, NFTs) and control their identities.
      • Decentralization: No single entity controls the network. Think Bitcoin (decentralized money) or NFTs (provable digital ownership).
      • User empowerment: Creators keep value they generate, free from corporate gatekeepers.

Why Web3 Threatens Big Tech

• • Ownership Economy:
    • NFTs: Prove ownership of digital art, music, or virtual real estate.
    • Tokens: Represent shares in communities or projects (e.g., DAOs).
  • Decentralized Infrastructure:
    • Blockchains replace centralized servers with peer-to-peer networks.
    • Example: Ethereum’s smart contracts automate agreements without intermediaries.
  • Resistance to Censorship:
    • No platform can deplatform or censor users arbitrarily.

What Makes Web3 Revolutionary?

1. 1. Self-Custody:
      • Hold crypto wallets (like MetaMask) to control assets without banks.
   2. Transparent Value Sharing:
      • Creators earn directly via NFTs or tokenized communities.
   3. Privacy:
      • Zero-knowledge proofs (e.g., Zcash) enable transactions without exposing personal data.

Web3 in Action: Real-World Examples

Web3 technologies are transforming various industries through innovative applications. Bitcoin introduced the concept of peer-to-peer digital cash, enabling decentralized financial transactions without intermediaries. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), exemplified by platforms like NBA Top Shot, have revolutionized the digital collectibles market, turning it into a billion-dollar industry. Decentralized applications (dApps) such as Uniswap and Audius offer services like trading and music streaming without corporate oversight, providing users with greater control and transparency. These examples highlight the growing impact of Web3 in creating decentralized, user-centric platforms across various sectors.

The Future of the Internet

Web3 isn’t just for tech experts. Just as you didn’t need to understand TCP/IP to use Instagram, you don’t need coding skills to buy Bitcoin, mint an NFT, or join a DAO. The shift is already underway: memecoins like Dogecoin democratize finance, DeFi platforms replace banks, and social tokens let fans invest directly in creators.

Conclusion: Web3 is the Internet’s Next Chapter

Web1 gave us access. Web2 let us participate. Web3 gives us ownership. By replacing corporate-controlled platforms with decentralized networks, blockchain technology is rewriting the rules of the internet—and putting power back in users’ hands.

Disclosures: Sarson Funds, Inc. is a third-party marketing company and does not directly manage assets or provide investment advice. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. It is recommended to consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Past performance does not indicate future results. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the authors. Therefore, please consult with an investment advisor before making any investment decisions or have them contact Sarson Funds directly at [email protected].