Beneficials and Ill Effects

The web, as highlighted in the article, presents both beneficial and concerning aspects. On the positive side, the web is a platform built on egalitarian principles, promoting open access, global conversation, and free speech while connecting individuals and institutions. However, it also faces challenges, with governments monitoring online activities, threatening human rights and potentially leading to a controlled and fragmented web, affecting access to information.

As for me, the web has been an invaluable resource for my educational journey. It has enabled me to access a vast repository of online courses, coding tutorials, and development tools, allowing me to hone my coding skills and broaden my knowledge in web development. I’ve also had the chance of connecting with a global community of fellow learners, which has fostered cultural exchange and collaborative projects that transcend borders. However, on the other hand, I’ve encountered instances where access to certain websites and content is restricted, limiting the availability of diverse perspectives and information. This not only hampers my educational pursuits but also raises questions about the fundamental principles of online freedom and privacy.

Concepts Understanding

Universality and Isolation: Universality underscores the open accessibility of the Web for all users, regardless of their devices, software, languages, or connectivity. It promotes inclusivity and diverse participation. Isolation, on the other hand, arises from closed, proprietary platforms, which trap user data within their confines, hindering open data exchange and potentially fragmenting the web.

Open Standards and Closed Worlds: Open standards are the backbone of web innovation, offering free and royalty-free technical standards that empower diverse website and application creation. Closed worlds, like Apple’s iTunes, restrict access and creativity by creating closed, proprietary environments that prioritize control and exclusivity.

The Web and the Internet: The Web is an application layer that operates on top of the Internet infrastructure, offering user access to the World Wide Web. The separation of layers is crucial, enabling independent innovation in both the Web and the Internet. The Internet is the underlying electronic network that transmits data packets among computers using open protocols, and improvements in one layer don’t disrupt the other. This separation supports ongoing innovation and compatibility between the Web and the Internet. 

Vision for the Web: A Decade Late

The author’s vision for the future of the web still holds relevance in several aspects.

• Open Data: The concept of open data has thrived, allowing information to be shared and leveraged for real-world benefits such as safety, discrimination awareness, and disaster relief.
• Web Science: Research into how the web influences the real world has progressed, though it’s a developing field with growing relevance.
• Social Machines: The influence of user-generated content on various sectors remains strong, but challenges of misinformation and manipulation have emerged.
• Internet Access: While efforts have been made to improve access in developing countries, challenges related to affordability, digital literacy, and infrastructure persist.