What is Web 2.0?

Web 2.0, a buzzword coined in 2004, describes an evolution in web technologies and usage that places an emphasis on producing and sharing content rather than just consuming it. It falls into the larger category of social media, also called participatory media, and is implemented not only with computers and the Internet but using a wide range of devices, including digital cameras, audio and video recorders, and mobile phones.

There are numerous definitions of Web 2.0. Some people think it's just a marketing hype; others think it is the future and the next big thing. What is Web 2.0? There is no simple answer, so experts explain Web 2.0 by its patterns, characteristics and examples. Web 2.0 is the "present" of the Web and the foundation for its future.

Some Patterns of Web 2.0:

Web 2.0 is social, it is about people and online communities like Facebook, MySpace, Linkedin
It is about "crowdsourcing", collaboration and collective intelligence and getting more people involved in the development of public and/or private products and services like Wikipedia.
Web 2.0 is about using the "Web as platform" and SaaS "software as a service" like the Google documents and applications, zoho services....
Web 2.0 is about You; it is customizable to your liking and needs like IGoogle, or My Yahoo or Netvibes.
It is about finding better ways of organizing and sharing information, such as social bookmarking and viral marketing seen at del.icio.us and Stumbleupon...
Web 2.0 is about citizen journalism and user-generated content. People are not just viewers but they are editors and producers. Think YouTube, Blogger, jaridtak.com
It is about "democracy" and understanding your supporters or target audience by enabling features like ratings, comments, and reviews.
Web 2.0 is mobile and accessible, it's about "feeds" like RSS and mashups and APIs.
Web 2.0 is also "cool" and addictive! How else would the social media site Facebook have earned the status of Lebanon’s #1 most-visited site?

The patterns/characteristics of Web 2.0 and its social and open nature make it a promising platform for social change and online activism. Web 2.0 technologies allow people to enhance and express their creativity and give them a sense of ownership of a cause or project they believe in. It also helps us spread news and "messages" faster, to a wider audience, and more efficiently.

Many Internet users now are always connected, always online, or at least spend lot of time online. With the DSL and broadband wireless Internet access getting more popular, more stable and cheaper in Lebanon, We think it is a great opportunity for NGOs in Lebanon to learn and use Web 2.0 trends, techniques and best practices to achieve their objectives.

Whether it is environmental, social or political cause, the change requires reaching and involving the "masses" and Web 2.0 help you to do this in a modern and efficient way.

We will have Web 2.0 workshops for NGOs in Lebanon starting next month to build on the potential for Web 2.0 to effect social change in Lebanon.