Before this semester, I never really took the time to notice the advancements of the Internet. After taking some time to think about my past, however, the World Wide Web has definitely improved tremendously. The lecture this week clearly showcased the changes made by introducing the five characteristics of Web 2.0, proving just how far technology and communication has come.
1 - Dynamic Content
This occurs when the site's information is constantly being changed, edited, and updated frequently for the user. A great example of this is http://digg.com/. Just like the heading of the website suggests, Digg.com finds you the latest in news headlines, videos and images from the interactivity of its viewers. When articles are well received, they get a "digg" from the user. The more "diggs" an article gets, the more popular it becomes, allowing the site to find you the latest in whatever topic you feel like reading.
2 - User Contribution
This is created when a site strives from connecting, socializing, and sharing information with others. This information can take many forms, such as blogs, music, video, and pictures. Purevolume.com is just one of the many websites that urges its users to share, in this case, through music. Signed and unsigned artists can upload their work for everyone to listen to, share their opinion, and create exposure that they were never able to before!
3 - Social Media
This is basically media on the web that is highly accessible and created through social interaction. Youtube.com is probably the most popular site that allows users to do this. Not only can you watch vlogs and random family videos, but you also have the access to movies, short films, tutorials and music videos. No matter what the genre or age range, Youtube.com is a place for everyone to enjoy and connect.
4 - Online Applications
These applications are hosted in a "browser-supported environment", where they can update and do necessary tasks without having to install or download software to do so. E-mail and online auctions are popular among others. Ebay.com is a great online application that allows people to bid on products posted by users, with the highest bidder receiving the item. Without having to download anything, shopping can be done without even leaving the house.
5 - Harnessing Collective Intelligence
This characteristic is created when shared information is formed from a collection of many other users. There is no site that does this duty better than Twitter.com. With people always "tweeting" their thoughts and actions as the day progresses, similar thoughts is compiled into a "tag cloud". This setup allows users to read these "tag clouds" as a way to find out information on a certain subject and how it copes with society.
Although I was always aware of the features of these websites, having actually thought about the characteristics in relation to the progress of the internet is truly mind-blowing. Web 2.0 has already had a huge impact on society and how we live our lives. The internet will only continue to grow, so we might as well enjoy the ride.
Additional Sources
Petrou, Laurie. "Web 2.0". Lecture. Ryerson University, Toronto. 10 Nov. 2009.
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