Web 3.0 refers to the next stage of development of the World Wide Web, characterized by greater integration between online and real world experiences. Groupon is seen as an example of Web 3.0 by combining social networking features, location-based deals, and reviews all in a single online location. However, Web 3.0's future is uncertain as the internet continues to rapidly change and new technologies could emerge that transform how people interact with the virtual and real world. Both potential pros like encouraging real world interactions and cons like overdependence on the internet are discussed.

1. An Analysis of Web 3.0Tania Gabbay & SajidIqbal

2. What is Web 3.0?The 3rd decade of the web – it’s a period in time; it’s not a specific technologyNova Spivack, founder and CEO of Radar Networks (allbusiness.com)Highly specialized information silos, moderated by a cult of personality, & validated by the communitySteve Spaulding (howtosplitanatom.com)

3. Groupon = Web 3.0Improved online shopping experienceVarious deals organized by locationEach deal page includes reviews, map, link to company website, link to Twitter & Facebook multiple utilities in one central locationOnline life intertwined with real lifeDiscounts: the Internet becomes the better choice, not simply the more convenient oneThe company builds on the networking technique introduced by Web 2.0 with greater “sophistication” and “utility”Online shopping becomes a three-dimensional experience

4. What’s Next?The Internet will become intertwined with our realityOur virtual lives will not be supplemental to our actual lives, but rather, the two will be dependent on one anotherGroupon represents Web 3.0 because of its ability to combine and enhance aspects of Web 2.0, and provide a more prevalent, relevant outcomeHowever, Groupon must develop furtherRight now, small businesses see more profitsCompetitors (i.e., Living Social, similar sites in other countries )

5. What’s Missing?Social norms Dependence on Internet is limitedPeople have difficulty spending large sums of $ online, therefore limiting spectrum of dealsMore comfort in social networking aloneVariety of dealsBig businesses have lower return rate to the siteMore nationwide deals (i.e., Gap deal = $11 million in 1 day)

6. A Global Phenomenon?Groupon serves deals to more than 33 countries world wide. But, it is more specific to USA.There is obviously potential for growth on worldly scale, BUT because of the rapidly changing nature of the Internet, we will never truly know. Something could come along tomorrow that would completely change the dynamicsof Web 3.0 & Groupon success.

7. Pros & ConsPros:Encourages/requires interaction with outside worldPlaces greater value on necessity of the Internet Cons:Can we become completely consumed by our online life?Will businesses continue providing deals?

8. Sourceshttp://www2.capilanou.ca/help/login-page/active-cms/glossary.htmlGroupon.comCrunchbase.comhttp://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/groupons-11-million-gap-day-a-business-winner-or-loser/38259http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~dholakia/Groupon%20Effectiveness%20Study,%20Sep%2028%202010.pdfAndroidtech.comhttp://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/internet-www-web-2/12347051-1.htmlhttp://howtosplitanatom.com/news/how-to-define-web-30-2/