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New communication behaviours in a Web 2.0 world
not as well for more complex applications. Web 2.0 is closer to the peer-to-peer architecture
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of
the underlying internet, designed for two-way communication.
Enterprises from similar fields tend to respond similarly to the opportunities and challenges
brought by Web 2.0. Hence the development of such terms as Telco 2.0, Media 2.0 and
Mobile 2.0.
2.2 Impacts on behaviours of online users
The major impacts are:
i. A shift of attitudes of internet users
ii. Growth in broadband connection
iii. Content being delivered free of charge
iv. Online social networking as a new communication domain
v. Fragmentation of consumer markets
vi. The internet as the main source and transmitter of knowledge
vii. Internet privacy, online security and data ownership
2.2.(i) Shift of attitudes of internet users
Today’s internet users are more strongly engaged. In many cases, this means that they have
switched from their traditional reader/consumer roles to those of active creators.
This takes the internet network into a new phase, one where a growing number of users are
taking an active role in the development of content and applications. Global shared knowledge
results from collaboration, where ‘the knowledge of crowds’ ensures that information is correct
and up-to-date.
Consumers – internet users – are donating their free time to the development of online content
and are sharing it free of charge, in such forms as blog posts, videos, podcasts and software
applications. They are enjoying building new relationships online through social networks and
virtual worlds. And they are updated about the news that interests them through RSS feed
messages.
Internet users are less inclined to spend their free time watching TV and more likely to increase
their time spent online
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. They are increasingly likely to need ‘always on’ broadband and mobile
broadband: internet connection almost everywhere and at any time.
This process is also termed ‘democratization of the Web’. This means that everybody has the
right to contribute and all opinions are taken as equal, regardless of the author’s social status,
academic education or occupation. A vast amount of knowledge is available online, much more
in fact than has ever been collected in one place at one time
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. For many users the internet is
even becoming the main source and transmitter of knowledge.
The combination of the internet, Web 2.0 tools and a new philosophy is the starting point for
this trend. It is, arguably, the first medium in history to enable the real-time engagement of its
consumers.
Summary of Contents for Web 2.0 services
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