You recently asked me about the differences between Web1, Web2, and Web3. I see many newcomers to crypto also get confused, so today I’m writing this post to explain it simply.

First, let’s talk about Web1. This era lasted from the 1990s to the early 2000s. Back then, the internet was one-way only—you could visit websites to read information, but couldn’t comment or post anything. It was like an electronic newspaper, or similar to watching TV without being able to change anything. No interaction, no community, just receiving information passively.

Then came Web2—the version we live in today. Starting around 2005, the internet began to change. Web2 allows you not only to read but also to write, share, and livestream. You can create content on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram… Everyone can be a creator. But here’s the trap—your data belongs to those platforms, not to you. Your account can be banned at any time, posts deleted, personal data sold to third parties. In other words, you’re building your house on someone else’s land.

And now is Web3—the one I believe will change everything. Web3 started around 2020, based on blockchain technology. Unlike Web2, Web3 allows you to truly own your data and assets. You can hold tokens, NFTs, log in with Web3 wallets like MetaMask or others. You can play games and earn digital assets, participate in DAOs to co-build projects. This time, you’re building your house on your own land.

In summary—Web1 only allows reading, Web2 allows reading and writing, and Web3 enables reading, writing, and owning. These are three different stages of the internet, each with its own advantages. If you’re new to the crypto world, understanding these differences will help you grasp other concepts more easily.