Understanding Web1 and Web2: The Evolution of the Internet

In this lesson, we’ll explore the key differences between Web1 and Web2, tracing the evolution of how we interact with the internet.

What is Web1?

Web1, often referred to as the first iteration of the internet, was primarily a static web. Here's how it worked:

• A typical Web1 website might contain static content, such as images and written text.
• These websites were non-interactive—users could view the content but couldn't engage with it or modify it.
• A common example of Web1 can still be seen in university professor websites, which often have outdated designs and don’t adapt well to mobile screens.

Characteristics of Web1:

• Static websites
• No dynamic content
• One-way information flow

Imagine a user named Jackie. In the Web1 model, Jackie can only consume information from the website. She reads what’s there, much like reading an encyclopedia, but cannot contribute or respond.

The information flow is one-directional:

Website → Jackie

To update content, developers had to manually edit and deploy code—a process that was time-consuming and rigid. This model defined the early web, designed simply to make information accessible online.

What is Web2?

The limitations of Web1 led to the development of Web2, the dynamic and interactive web that we use today.

In Web2:

• Websites became interactive and user-driven.
• Users like Jackie can still consume content, but now they can also upload and share their own.

Think of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube:

• You sign up and create a profile.
• You upload content—photos, posts, videos.
• You interact with content shared by others.

Characteristics of Web2:

• Dynamic content
• User interaction and contribution
• Two-way information flow

In this ecosystem, Jackie is not just a reader—she's a creator. She uploads content and the website learns from her behavior while providing content she might like in return.

The information flow in Web2 is bi-directional:

Website ↔ Jackie

This creates a feedback loop:

• Jackie learns from the website.
• The website learns from Jackie.

This loop forms the foundation of personalized content, social interactions, and real-time updates that define today’s web experience.

The Core Difference Between Web1 and Web2

Interaction

• Web1: Read-only
• Web2: Read and write

Content

• Web1: Static
• Web2: Dynamic

User Involvement

• Web1: Passive consumption
• Web2: Active participation

Information Flow

• Web1: One-way (Website → User)
• Web2: Two-way (Website ↔ User)

Web1 was an important step toward global digital access, but Web2 transformed how we interact, share, and collaborate online.