Today we delve into the exciting changes that the advent of Web3 technology brings about, especially in how we interact with the internet. Our focus? How Web3 is transforming users from being mere consumers or products to becoming their own unique brands.
The trajectory of the internet can be traced through three distinct eras. In Web1, the internet's early days, users were primarily consumers. Information was read-only, and interaction was limited. This was akin to a library; users could browse, consume, and learn, but their ability to contribute or interact was limited.
Then came Web2, a more dynamic era where users could not only consume but also create content. Websites became interactive, and user-generated content took center stage. However, in this era, the user morphed from being just a consumer to a product. Our data was used to sell advertising, shape products, and even influence our behaviors.
Now, we're witnessing the dawn of the Web3 era, a shift from 'read-write' to 'read-write-own.' With blockchain technology at its core, Web3 allows users to truly own and control their data, digital assets, and online identities. But this goes even further. In Web3, we argue, the user isn't just the consumer or the product — the user becomes the brand.
Web3 is allowing users to carve out unique digital identities that are completely under their control. This ability to control one's identity and monetize one's online presence has turned individuals into brands. Creators can tokenize their skills or content, giving rise to a whole new creative economy.
Imagine artists who not only create digital art but also sell it directly to their followers via NFTs, retaining complete ownership and creative control. Or, consider influencers who can create their own tokens, giving their followers special access or voting rights in their community. The possibilities are endless.
For more in-depth insights into this topic, we recommend this enlightening podcast from a16z → here, which delves deeper into the transformation of users into brands.
This shift towards personal brands offers significant investment opportunities. As users become brands, they create value not just for themselves but also for their communities and the broader ecosystem. This creates numerous opportunities for investors to support these creators and tap into this growing market.
Moreover, this shift fundamentally changes the dynamics of value creation on the internet. As an investment DAO focused on Web3, understanding these trends and their implications is vital to our strategy.
As we traverse the exciting landscape of Web3, we at Kenmare DAO believe in the power of the individual as a brand. We aim to invest in technologies and platforms that empower users, uphold decentralization, and promote a more equitable Internet.
As always, we're committed to keeping our community updated with our thoughts and investment theses. Together, we can navigate the challenges and opportunities of this new digital world.
In Web3, you're not just a user - you're a brand. Embrace it, and let's shape the future of the internet, together.