Web 2.0 Homework

Web 2.0 is the term given to the second generation of the world wide web, it grants the ability for people to share information over the web. Web 2.0 refers to the transition from static HTML web pages to a more dynamic Web that is more organised and is based on serving Web applications to users.Other improved functionality of Web 2.0 includes open communication with an emphasis on Web-based communities of users, and more open sharing of information. Over time Web 2.0 has been used more as a marketing term than a computer-science-based term. Blogs, wikis, and Web services are all seen as components of Web 2.0.

Pro's and Con's of Web 2.0:

Pros:

 The main advantage is that users become more informed as they are able to interact with many users to gather information and ideas.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Allows users to express their thoughts and ideas without the fear of repression and will allow people to gain access to information that they would not have been able to view with traditional media outlets.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Another benefit of Web 2.0 is the ease of communication. An increasing number of users can meet and keep in touch with other people around the globe for little or no cost.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Additionally, the communication capabilities come at little to no cost. This adds a huge benefit, as people in different countries can communicate (via text, audio, and or video) without worries of extravagant charges previously.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Web 2.0 has been so widely adopted partly due to the idea of personalization. Users enjoy being able to create and use applications that are suited to their individual personalities, allowing them to embrace their unique needs and interests.

Cons:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·       <!--[endif]-->The first issue deals with security and privacy of the user and their shared information. Since most social networking and other Web 2.0 sites, such as blogs and wikis, are offered free of charge, there may be a lack of security of information.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·       <!--[endif]-->Web 2.0 has led to a lack of face to face communication and inter-personal skills in our current society. Web 2.0's effect on communication

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·       <!--[endif]-->Another controversy with Web 2.0 is the unlimited sharing of information can lead to legal problems especially with regard to intellectual property, such as copyrights. The music industry has been especially critical of such sharing websites that enable users to download music for free and then share with other users.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·       <!--[endif]-->The fact that anyone can add anything to Web 2.0 sites creates a disadvantage with respect to inaccurate unreliable research because Web 2.0 does not require a contributor to be a professional in whatever information they post.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·       <!--[endif]-->Another disadvantage of this is that with all of the information available to the user, much of the accurate and useful information is overlooked.