The internet continues to transform the world. In 2024, new trends could further disrupt the reliability of information and the sustainability of mainstream media.

It took over a decade for the internet to evolve from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0. Many predict it will take just as long to advance to Web 3.0.

Web 3.0

Web 3.0 is a new generation of the internet that promises to be decentralized, data-driven, and more intuitive. It’s also expected to include a host of backend innovations like blockchain technology and digital currencies.

Web3’s proponents believe that it will rebalance power between users and builders, unlike the current web which is dominated by global behemoths. They claim that these corporations have used the internet as a giant psychological lab to turn users into products and use their private data for maximum profit.

In the near future, you can expect to see a wide range of business uses for Web3. From tokenizing physical assets to launching a virtual marketplace to facilitating secure transactions with non-fungible tokens (NFTs), this trend will revolutionize businesses. This includes the use of blockchain technology for supply chain management and decentralized finance (DeFi) lending.

Blockchain

Cybersecurity is a booming concern for all businesses, especially smaller ones. On average, hackers attack a company every 39 seconds.

Blockchain is a tamper-proof sequential ledger that creates trust in the timeliness, accuracy, and security of transactions. It’s revolutionizing financial services, record-keeping, smart contracts, and supply chains.

It powers cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but it’s also being used by retailers to engage with tech-savvy customers and brand enthusiasts who want exclusive merch or experiences. Luxury resale brands are also using it to certify the authenticity of their products.

Low code and no-code tools make it easier for employees to build business apps without needing a software engineer. In 2023, more than 50% of enterprises will use these tools to create digital solutions. This will reduce the need to hire external developers and save time.

5G

When it comes to the future of the web, 5G is the technology to watch. This new network promises everyone, everywhere, blazingly fast internet without wifi.

In the near-term, telcos will focus on monetizing consumer demand for super-fast mobile data. That means introducing flexible plans that allow customers to upgrade their network performance when and where they want it.

The real game changer will be how 5G enables new applications in business and industry. For example, reduced latency (the delay between a command and its execution) will enable smart factory automation that dramatically increases productivity. The same applies for remote operations like controlling an excavator on another continent. This can save money and improve safety, reducing risks for workers. In other industries, augmented reality and virtual reality will bring new immersive experiences that can help businesses differentiate themselves from competitors.

AR & VR

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are emerging technologies that are transforming the way we work, play and live. These immersive experiences allow users to interact with simulated environments and use digital objects in their daily lives without leaving the comfort of their homes or offices.

AR and VR are being used in a variety of industries and sectors to improve business processes and create new opportunities. From education and healthcare to real estate and entertainment, AR/VR technology is reshaping the way we live.

In 2023, we’ll see more enterprises adopt XR headsets to facilitate remote collaboration and conduct trainings. Also, AR will become a popular platform to display and trade NFTs. This will be possible thanks to advances in LiDAR. It will allow users to see their AR creations in 3D rather than flat graphics and overcome occlusion problems, such as a person’s legs blocking the view of an AR game character.

Privacy

When new technology is introduced, it’s natural for people to have concerns about privacy. Optimists expect reasonable norms to emerge naturally; pessimists may demand legal or regulatory solutions.

But if businesses are perceived as disregarding reasonable norms, they risk losing trust from customers. This has been the case with the proliferation of data breaches, phishing and other malicious cyberattacks.

If decentralizing the web’s architecture delivers as promised, it will help limit the practice of data extraction and curb the network effects that have enabled tech giants like Amazon, Google and Facebook parent Meta to grow into near-monopolies by hoarding petabytes of customer data and monetizing it in various ways. It will also give individuals greater control over what data is shared with whom. These changes will impact how businesses interact with their customers and create new opportunities for business.