In one simple description, I’d say Web 2.0 is a fashionable name given to a group of applications designed to support a second level of use for the internet, the first level being the passive one-directional communication from one party to another. Web 2.0 therefore implies interactivity, end-user engagement, and most importantly, decentralization of source for which the Internet was originally created. Like every human effort to improve the way we go about our lives however, there are pros and cons to this development. I will proceed to address the various subjects under which we derive advantages and disadvantages from web 2.0.
Syndication and Security
Web 2.0 lets end users not
only take control of their content but it even lets them
modify the codes being used for the application itself. This may somewhat be of advantage when the end user can assume control of what information he or she makes available to his or her select group or groups. He or she also has the ability to customize. This is the core idea of web 2.0 – decentralization.
On the flip side, any issue with security also targets the very core of web 2.0. Even though the older web applications may have had more dos and don’ts, but with professionals in charge of protecting, so far, it has proven more effective in keeping the bad guys away. There are two dimensions to this security issue. One is how to control these generally amateur users from unknowingly exposing insecure or personal information on such platform. The other concern is how to protect these amateur users and their personal information from professional hackers who are deliberately out for their information and how to protect them from one another.
Accessibility
Web 2.0
unlike Web 1.0 applications, offers products
and services that are designed to offer great
functionality and for a diverse set of individuals created by a widespread array of developers. This makes the web platform altogether very convenient for use by most people either from conventional computers or even from devices other than the computer. Another advantage is that it provides free alternatives to applications, products and services like videos, document processors and more for an opportunity to advertise and that may otherwise have been purchased.
The hard fact concerning this is that acquiring these services necessitates dependency on certain services like internet accessibility of data plans on phones and so on. In most cases, it requires accepting conditions, which give up certain rights to the service provider. But most importantly, these services stand a risk of not being available when required due to a third party failure. Here, the end user cannot hold the service provider responsible, and may just have to deal with the consequences.
Data Volume, Accuracy and Reliability
The fact that everyone can now contribute to the content found on the Internet in the advent of web 2.0 through online
encyclopedia made up of user-generated entries, blogging and even comments on posts from others has now created great volumes of information and a very dynamic web. However, there are problems with this. Even though there are numerous entries that have been credibly researched on and supported with
verifiable and reliable sources, academics
consider such sources like Wikipedia as poor reference because its data has
been provided by users who don’t have the qualifications to do so. It is like a society not knowing who to believe or trust because everyone is allowed to talk.
Extensibility
Web 2.0 applications are created extendable. Take facebook for instance. One does not have to update anything but logon to discover a different look of their profile. It is of advantage to the users as well as developers when new performance enhancement features can easily be added to applications at no extra cost to both parties. Developers now adopt extensible designs to their applications so that when there are
new features to enjoy, they’re immediately added instead
of waiting for them to reach a certain number before
repackaging the entire application as a new version.
There are still long lists of pros and cons of the new concept referred to as web 2.0, but it is important to note that it is technology that is here to stay.
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