An invention has to make sense in the world it finishes in, not in the world it started. –Tim O’Reilly

When the term “Web3” emerged, it was heralded as the next evolution of the internet. The somewhat official definition for Web3 describes the next evolution of the World Wide Web, the user interface that provides access to documents, applications, and multimedia on the Internet. This is effectively a space where decentralized platforms and services offer individuals greater control, ownership, and transparency. At least, that is the hope. But as we know, hope is not a strategy, and a plan needs to be in place for mass adoption; that happens through buy-in.

As with any burgeoning technology, the excitement was often shrouded in buzzwords: NFTs, Crypto, DeFi, and more. For many, these terms became roadblocks rather than gateways to understanding. Today, as the landscape evolves, it’s worth noting that “Web3” – as a term – is on the decline, giving way to “3D Internet”. But why the shift? And how can we demystify the next phase of online evolution?

Buzzwords: Clouding the Vision

The tech world loves its jargon. When a novel concept emerges, it’s often accompanied by new terminology, which can be a double-edged sword. Sometimes, I imagine a collective, deep below the Earth, saying, “What can we do to make this a mystical technology that people will want to talk about at every cocktail event?”

On one hand, these terms encapsulate complex ideas, making them digestible for those in the know. But for the general populace, they can obscure the actual value and potential of the technology.

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are a perfect example. While the tech community saw them as a revolutionary way to verify uniqueness and ownership in the digital realm, many outside this circle were left scratching their heads. “Why pay thousands for a digital image I ...