"Why Web3 Matters: The Future of Ownership and Control in the Internet Era"

"Why Web3 Matters: The Future of Ownership and Control in the Internet Era"

We are currently witnessing the rise of web3, an era that blends the decentralized and community-driven nature of web1 with the advanced functionality of web2. Web3 represents a paradigm shift in how we perceive and interact with the internet, as it emphasizes ownership and control by its users and builders, facilitated through the use of tokens.

In the traditional web2 model, as platforms reach their peak and become dominant players in their respective industries, their relationships with network participants tend to shift from positive-sum to zero-sum. These platforms often resort to extracting data from users and competing with their former partners to sustain their growth. This centralized approach to ownership and control creates a fundamental problem, as the value generated by the network is accumulated and controlled by a single company, leading to conflicts with users and partners.

Web3 addresses this problem by decentralizing ownership and control. With the introduction of tokens, both non-fungible (NFTs) and fungible, users and builders can now own pieces of internet services. Tokens grant users property rights, enabling them to have a stake in the growth and development of the network. This alignment of interests fosters collaboration and cooperation among network participants, as they work together towards a common goal – the growth of the network and the appreciation of the token.

The decentralization of ownership and control in web3 has far-reaching implications. It not only empowers individuals but also promotes a more equitable distribution of value within the network. Instead of being concentrated in the hands of a few centralized entities, the value generated by the network is shared among its participants, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable ecosystem.

In addition to the shift towards decentralized ownership and control, web3 also offers unique opportunities for innovation and creativity. With the ability to own and trade digital assets through NFTs, artists, creators, and content producers have new avenues to monetize their work. This opens up possibilities for new business models and revenue streams that were previously unavailable in the centralized web2 world.

While web3 holds immense potential, navigating this new landscape requires individuals to adapt and adopt new practices. One such practice is the concept of "smart notes," as outlined by Ahrens (2017). Smart notes involve categorizing information into four types: fleeting notes, literature notes, permanent notes, and project notes. By utilizing these different types of notes, individuals can better organize and retain knowledge, making it easier to retrieve and utilize information when needed.

Furthermore, the Zeigarnik effect, a psychological phenomenon that states unfinished tasks tend to intrude on our thoughts, can be harnessed to enhance productivity. By writing down these unfinished tasks and promising ourselves to deal with them later, we free up mental space and can focus on the task at hand. Conversely, if we wish to continue pondering a problem or idea, refraining from writing it down and taking a walk with it in mind can lead to creative breakthroughs.

Another valuable practice in the web3 era is the creation of a network of slip-box notes, following the principles of a small-world network. This involves having a few highly interconnected notes and other notes with "weak ties" to more distant ones. This network structure facilitates the flow of ideas, connections, and insights, allowing for a more holistic and interconnected understanding of various topics.

To fully embrace the web3 era, individuals should also adopt a multidisciplinary and multi-project approach to their work. Working on multiple projects simultaneously, as Feynman famously advocated, helps prevent mental blockages and promotes creative thinking. By diversifying our focus and engaging with different tasks, we can maintain a continuous flow of ideas and avoid getting stuck in a single line of thought.

In conclusion, the advent of web3 brings about a new era of ownership, control, and creativity in the internet landscape. By decentralizing ownership and control through tokens, web3 empowers users and builders to have a stake in the growth and development of the network. This shift towards decentralization not only promotes a more equitable distribution of value but also opens up new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. To thrive in this new era, individuals must embrace practices such as smart note-taking, leveraging the Zeigarnik effect, and building interconnected networks of ideas. By doing so, we can harness the full potential of web3 and shape the future of the internet.