Certified Internet Web (CIW) Professional Practice Exam

The term 'Web 2.0' signifies a shift in the way websites and web applications are designed and utilized, emphasizing interactivity, collaboration, and user-generated content. This transformative phase in the evolution of the internet allowed users not just to consume information, but also to actively participate in sharing content, creating communities, and engaging with one another through social media platforms, blogs, wikis, and various online applications.

In contrast to static web pages that existed during the earlier web phase—where users primarily viewed and consumed content without interaction—Web 2.0 empowers users to contribute their own content and collaborate in real time. This is reflected in the multitude of platforms that allow for comments, feedback, and content creation, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

The concept of websites solely for information sharing or web portals specifically for online shopping does not embody the interactive and community-driven nature of Web 2.0. While those aspects can be part of the broader internet landscape, they don't capture the essence of what makes Web 2.0 significant in terms of user engagement and participatory design.