The internet has gone through several stages of evolution since its inception. From the early days of static web pages and simple hypertext links to the emergence of dynamic web applications and social media platforms, to the current trend of decentralized web services and blockchain networks, the internet has constantly changed and improved to meet the needs and demands of its users.

However, the internet is not perfect. It still faces many challenges and limitations, such as censorship, surveillance, centralization, inefficiency, and inequality. Therefore, many people are looking for new ways to create a better and more democratic internet that can empower its users and protect their rights and freedoms.

One of the most popular and promising concepts for the future of the Internet is Web3, which is an Internet powered by blockchain-based smart contracts that enable peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. Web3 aims to create a more open, transparent, and fair internet that can resist manipulation and corruption by centralized authorities. You might also be interested in our article about “Different Types of Smart Contracts.”

However, Web3 is not the only vision for the future of the Internet. Recently, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey announced his new project called TBD, which he claims will be “our most important contribution to the internet”. Dorsey also revealed that TBD will be based on a new concept called Web5, which he described as “RIP web3 VCs”.

So what is Web5 and how is it different from Web3? In this article, we will explain what Web5 is, how it works, and how it compares to Web3. We will also discuss the potential benefits and challenges of Web5, as well as its implications for the future of the Internet.

What Is Web5?

Web5 is a term coined by Jack Dorsey and his team at TBD, which is a new company that aims to create a decentralized exchange (DEX) for Bitcoin. A DEX is a platform that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies without relying on a centralized intermediary, such as an exchange or a broker. 

To land on the name Web5, TBD just added Web3 (an internet powered by blockchain-based smart contracts) to Web2 (centralized content platforms, like Twitter or Facebook). 

Put simply: 3 + 2 = 5.

However, Web5 is more than just a mathematical equation. It is also a philosophical statement that reflects Dorsey’s vision and values for the future of the internet. 

According to Dorsey, Web5 is an internet that is:

1. Built on Bitcoin: Dorsey believes that Bitcoin is the best cryptocurrency and blockchain network for creating a decentralized and democratic internet. He argues that Bitcoin is more secure, scalable, and inclusive than other cryptocurrencies or blockchains. He also claims that Bitcoin is more aligned with the original spirit and purpose of the internet, which is to enable free and open communication among people.

2. Focused on content: Dorsey believes that content is the most important and valuable aspect of the internet. He argues that content creators and consumers should have more control and ownership over their content, rather than being exploited or manipulated by centralized platforms or intermediaries. He also claims that content should be more accessible and affordable for everyone, rather than being restricted or monetized by paywalls or ads.

3. Driven by community: Dorsey believes that community is the key to creating a successful and sustainable internet. He argues that community members should have more influence and participation in the development and governance of the Internet, rather than being passive or excluded by centralized authorities or intermediaries. He also claims that the community should be more diverse and inclusive for everyone, rather than being segregated or discriminated against by identity or ideology.

this will likely be our most important contribution to the internet. proud of the team. #web5

(RIP web3 VCs 🤫)https://t.co/vYlVqDyGE3 https://t.co/eP2cAoaRTH

— jack (@jack) June 10, 2022

How Does Web5 Work?

Web5 works by combining the best features of Web2 and Web3 to create a new and improved version of the Internet. Web5 uses blockchain technology and smart contracts to enable peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, while also using centralized platforms and services to enable content creation and distribution without friction. If you want to learn more about blockchain, read our article about “Best Books on Blockchain in 2023.”

The main components of Web5 are:

1. Bitcoin 

Bitcoin is the underlying protocol and network that powers Web5. Bitcoin provides a secure, scalable, and inclusive platform for creating and transferring value among users. Bitcoin also provides a common standard and language for interoperability among different applications and services on Web5.

2. Lightning Network

Lightning Network is a layer-2 solution that enables fast and cheap transactions on top of Bitcoin. Lightning Network provides a scalable and efficient way for users to exchange Bitcoin without congesting or compromising the main network. Lightning Network also provides a flexible and versatile way for developers to create applications and services on top of Bitcoin.

3. TBD

TBD is a DEX that allows users to trade Bitcoin with other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies without intermediaries. TBD provides a decentralized and democratic way for users to access liquidity and price discovery without relying on centralized exchanges or brokers. TBD also provides an open-source codebase for developers to build applications and services on top of Bitcoin.

4. Twitter  

Twitter is a social media platform that allows users to create and share content with other users. Twitter provides a centralized and convenient way for users to access information and communication without friction. Twitter also provides a large and diverse user base for developers to reach and engage with potential customers and partners.

Web3 vs. Web5

Here’s a comparative table highlighting the differences between Web3 and Web5:

Web3 and Web5 are both concepts for the future of the internet that use blockchain technology and smart contracts to enable peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. 

However, they also have some differences and trade-offs, such as:

1. Bitcoin vs. Ethereum 

Web3 is mostly based on Ethereum, which is a blockchain network that allows users to create and execute smart contracts for various purposes and applications. Ethereum is more flexible and versatile than Bitcoin, as it supports multiple programming languages and standards. However, Ethereum is also more complex and risky than Bitcoin, as it faces challenges such as scalability, security, and compatibility. 

Web5 is based on Bitcoin, which is a blockchain network that allows users to create and transfer value among users. Bitcoin is more secure and scalable than Ethereum, as it has a simpler and more robust design and consensus mechanism. However, Bitcoin is also more limited and rigid than Ethereum, as it only supports one programming language and standard.

You don’t own “web3.”

The VCs and their LPs do. It will never escape their incentives. It’s ultimately a centralized entity with a different label.

Know what you’re getting into…

— jack (@jack) December 21, 2021

2. Decentralization vs. Centralization 

Web3 is more decentralized than Web5, as it aims to create a fully distributed and autonomous internet that does not rely on any centralized platforms or services. Web3 users have more control and ownership over their data and transactions, as they do not need to trust or depend on any third parties. However, Web3 users also face more complexity and responsibility, as they need to manage their own keys, wallets, nodes, etc. 

Web5 is less decentralized than Web3, as it uses some centralized platforms and services to complement the decentralized ones. Web5 users have more convenience and accessibility over their data and transactions, as they can use familiar and user-friendly tools and interfaces. However, Web5 users also face some trade-offs, such as privacy, security, or censorship issues.

3. Content vs. Code 

Web3 is more focused on code than content, as it aims to create a programmable internet that can execute various logic and functions. Web3 users can create and use various applications and services that can perform various tasks and operations. However, Web3 users also face some limitations, such as usability, compatibility, or quality issues. 

Web5 is more focused on content than code, as it aims to create a content-driven internet that can enable various forms of expression and communication. Web5 users can create and share various types of content, such as text, images, videos, etc. However, Web5 users also face some challenges, such as monetization, distribution, or discovery issues.

When Will Web5 Be Available for Public Use?

Web5 is still in its early stages of development and experimentation. It is not yet clear when or how it will be available for public use. 

However, some of the possible steps or milestones that could lead to the launch of Web5 are:

• TBD launches its DEX for Bitcoin trading.
• Twitter integrates its platform with TBD’s DEX.
• Lightning Network reaches mass adoption and scalability.
• Bitcoin has become widely accepted as a global reserve currency.
• TBD releases its open-source codebase for developers.
• Twitter opens its platform for developers to create applications and services on top of Bitcoin.
• TBD creates a governance system for its DEX.
• Twitter creates a governance system for its platform.
• TBD expands its DEX to support other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies.
• Twitter expands its platform to support other types of content or media.

Let me clear this up right now, everybody: No. There are no tokens to invest in with web5. Kthx.

— Mike Brock (@brockm) June 10, 2022

How to Get Involved in Web5?

You can get involved in Web5 by following Dorsey’s vision and values for the future of the Internet. You can do so by:

• Using Bitcoin as your preferred currency and store of value.
• Creating and sharing content that expresses your ideas and opinions.
• Joining and contributing to communities that share your interests and goals.
• Learning about blockchain technology and smart contracts.
• Experimenting with different applications and services on top of Bitcoin.
• Participating in the development and governance of Web5 platforms and services.

Conclusion 

Web5 is a new concept for the future of the Internet that combines the best features of Web2 and Web3 to create a new and improved version of the Internet. Web5 uses blockchain technology and smart contracts to enable peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, while also using centralized platforms and services to enable content creation and distribution without friction.

Web5 has the potential to create a more open, transparent, and fair internet that can empower its users and protect their rights and freedoms. Web5 also has the potential to create a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative internet that can foster creativity and collaboration among its users.

However, Web5 also faces many challenges and uncertainties that may affect its development and adoption. Web5 will need to overcome technical, regulatory, social, and economic hurdles that may hinder its functionality or availability. Web5 will also need to balance the trade-offs between decentralization vs. centralization, Bitcoin vs. Ethereum, content vs. code, etc.

Therefore, Web5 will require the vision, passion, expertise, collaboration, experimentation, education, participation, governance, etc., of its creators, developers, users, regulators, etc., in order to succeed.

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