The Web . Two small words that represent one huge thing. Twenty years ago it was still a kid. Like all kids, the web was a dreamer. Like all kids, the web was unsure of what it wanted to be when it grew up. Like all kids, it had big potential, even if it was a little messy.

The web’s teenage years were awkward, with debate over paternity and conformity. Everyone put in their two cents about what the web should be, who it should be friends with, and what time it needed to be home at night (for updates, of course).

All analogies aside, the web has matured significantly since its inception. But where is it headed?

Internet Everywhere

Wi-Fi in coffee shops and corner cafés served as one of the first venues for accessing high speed Internet outside of the home. It was convenient…until you ran out of latte.

Rarely do we rely on finding "hotspots" on our journey into the great outdoors anymore. They’re a nice perk, but most of the time 3G does just fine on the go. With almost all new phones enabled for 3G use, we can stalk our friends on facebook at the bank, tweet about gas prices at the pump, and download music at the burger joint.

3G does have its limitations. Speeds can vary greatly depending on location, and high bandwidth media, video, etc. play than flawlessly. Upcoming 4G data plans may be the cure.

What Computer?

The web is all about being connected. Staying connected more frequently will mean adapting to use mobile options. The future of the web will probably include something bigger than a cell phone, smaller than a laptop, but with the functionality of both. Products like the iPad give us a glimpse into the future, even if its not quite as futuristic as some had hoped.

Social Media Is Here To Stay

Facebook, twitter, and the like will continue to grow. We’ll know more about each other than we know about ourselves and those without social media accounts won’t have any virtual friends and will lose their real ones. Okay, maybe it won’t be that severe, but we like being in touch. That desire for connection will only increase in the future. Social Media will continue to be the most popular aspect of the web.

More Security

Any network the size of the web will always have vulnerabilities. The vast amount of public and private information accessible via the Internet will always be tempting for some to snatch. Even the best security measures will never always keep everyone’s data secure. The web has reached a point where most people feel comfortable buying and selling online and entering private information to do so. The future of the web will incorporate new forms of encryption, adding an even higher level of security and integrity to eCommerce and personal privacy.

Image used under Creative Commons 2.0 License.