1 of 21

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

to become more of a two-way street, versus a one-way flow of outbound information to you.

What does Web 2.0 mean to you
Without going into all the complexities of the many technical components that create and support Web 2.0-enabled sites, for example, let's keep this as simple as possible so that you can understand how Web 2.0 is impacting your life. Keep in mind that Web 2.0 is an expanded way of doing things and it is often collaborative. Wikipedia is a great example of a site that uses Web 2.0 technologies. Through the constant updates of definitions by multiple authors, this site is a fluid and dynamic source for information. Social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace are built on Web 2.0 technologies. You have the opportunity on these sites to add your own profile, connect with others and even change the pages of others by adding comments, for example. Again, this is a fluid and non-static site. Web 2.0 is increasingly being embraced by the software developers and Web site architects because society demands a say in things, now more than ever. You are no longer looking at just movie critics' opinions, for example, when deciding which DVD to rent. Additionally, you are looking at consumer reviews and recommendations made by your friends, all enabled by Web 2.0 technologies. Due to these technologies, you can also share and add a voice to things about which you are passionate, whether it be a good recipe or a political opinion. Web 2.0 in a nutshell means a world of opportunity in terms of information sharing, information gathering, networking, shopping and many other activities.

While this article only scratches the surface of what Web 2.0 is and what it may mean to you, it hopefully will help anyone who was a bit fuzzy on this concept to have more confidence the next time someone mentions it or you see it in print. Technology today is changing so rapidly, but sometimes just a bit of knowledge can take you far.

Learn more about this author, Ann E. Smith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Understanding Web 2.0?
We want to hear your view. Write now!