Understanding Web4: What It Is, How It Works, and How It Differs from Web3 and Web5

Jakarta, Pintu News – Amidst the rapid development of digital technology, the term Web4 is emerging as the next phase in the evolution of the internet. After the emergence of Web3 that emphasizes decentralization and data ownership through blockchain technology, Web4 comes with a new vision: a smarter, more connected, and responsive internet.

Through the integration of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), Web4 seeks to bring the physical and digital worlds together more seamlessly. This article will take a comprehensive look at what Web4 is, examples of its applications, and how it differs from Web3 and Web5, to provide a more thorough understanding of the future of the internet.

What is Web4?

Web4 is the Smart Web or Symbiotic Web which is the next big leap in the evolution of the internet. Unlike the previous version, Web4 focuses on advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and decentralized architecture to create a more intelligent and interconnected environment. The new version aims to seamlessly integrate the physical and virtual worlds, enabling dynamic interactions that were previously unthinkable.

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One of the key features of Web4 is its emphasis on decentralization, which gives users greater control and ownership over their data. By moving away from centralized platforms, Web4 creates a space for secure and personalized interactions with web applications and services.

The interconnected, intelligent and data-driven nature of the Web4 offers new opportunities to improve quality of life, marking a significant advance in the digital world.

Web4 Example

The examples or characteristics of Web4 are as follows:

• Utilization of artificial intelligence and advanced machine learning to create a highly personalized user experience.
• A shift towards user-centered design.
• Increased community engagement and interaction across digital platforms.

Another important feature of Web4 is the seamless integration of the physical and digital worlds. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) enable real-time interaction between connected devices, while augmented reality creates an immersive user experience.

Decentralization also plays an important role by giving users greater control over their data and privacy.

Pros and Cons of Web4

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Web4:

Pros of Web4:

Higher Intelligence and Personalization:

Web4 leverages artificial intelligence and advanced machine learning algorithms to deliver content and services that are highly customized to each user’s needs.

Enhanced Interactivity:

Web4 enables more immersive and interactive experiences, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, allowing users to interact with information and services in new and innovative ways.

Integration of Physical and Virtual Worlds:

Web4 is becoming a bridge between the real and digital worlds through technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), which enables connection and integration between physical objects and digital platforms.

Decentralization and Greater Democratization:

Web4 promotes decentralization and equitable access to information and services, by reducing reliance on centralized platforms and moving to peer-to-peer networks and decentralized protocols.

Better Security and Privacy:

Web4 uses advanced cryptographic technology and decentralized architecture to provide better protection of user data and communications.

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Disadvantages of Web4

Increased Technology Dependency:

Web4 can increase users’ dependence on digital technologies and platforms, as highly personalized services make users more dependent on the system.

Greater Opportunities for Oversight and Control:

Web4 opens up greater opportunities for surveillance and control, as highly intelligent and personalized services collect and analyze large amounts of user data, which can potentially be used to influence their behavior.

High Complexity and Technical Requirements:

Web4 has a higher level of complexity and technical sophistication than previous versions of the web, requiring highly skilled developers and technicians to design and maintain it.

The Potential for Greater Inequality:

Web4 risks exacerbating social inequality, as highly personalized services tend to favor wealthy and influential users, while other groups are left behind.

Higher Vulnerability to Cyber Attacks:

As Web4 systems are highly connected and intelligent, this may open up more loopholes for hackers to launch cyberattacks.

Differences between Web4 vs Web3 and Web5

Web3 builds on the foundation of Web2 with the aim of making the internet more open and user-controlled. While Web2 is known for user-generated content and social media, Web3 uses blockchain technology to create a more transparent and secure system. The main features of Web3 include:

• Decentralized Applications (dApps): Applications that run on multiple computers instead of just one central server.
• Smart Contract: A digital agreement written in code and automatically executed without intermediaries.
• Tokenization: Turning things into digital tokens on top of a blockchain network.

Meanwhile, Web4 will go a step further by utilizing new technologies such as:

• Artificial Intelligence : AI is making online experiences smarter, such as chatbots that are able to understand and respond to users more accurately.
• Internet of Things (IoT): IoT connects everyday devices to the internet. For example, a smart home that automatically adjusts lighting and temperature based on user habits.

On the other hand, Web5 is designed to give full control of data and digital identity directly to the user (without the need for specific blockchain tokens as in many Web3 implementations). Not just decentralization through blockchain, but also a shift to truly individual storage and control of data (e.g. in Decentralized Web Nodes or DWNs).

User Experience

• Web3: Users have more control over their data and online activities. They can use dApps, manage digital assets, and join online communities.
• Web4: Delivering a more personalized experience. AI provides more relevant recommendations, and IoT devices can provide real-time information and automate tasks.

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Reference:

• Devolvedai. What is Web4? Accessed on January 26, 2026
• NetGuru. Understanding Web 4.0: The Future of an Intelligent Internet. Accessed on January 26, 2026
• Shiji. The Next Generation Of The Internet: Web3 And Web4. Accessed on January 26, 2026