Reconceptualizing Web3 as a human-centric infrastructure for the digital economy in the age of AI. An Information Theory and Political Economy approach

In recent years, Web3 somehow became a buzzword vaguely used by both disruptors and incumbents to describe their innovations.​a​ This confusion can lead to misguided financial, political, and research-scientific choices. When wrongly approached, Web3’s misinterpretation could result in actions that are unethical or even illegal. Therefore, it is critical to develop a reviewed and comprehensive concept of Web3 to guide its development and implementation with coherence.
This chapter attempts to provide that framework. While it does not claim to offer the only valid interpretation of Web3, it aims to shed new light on the concept and explore its broader implications through an interdisciplinary lens. The approach is informed by the author’s extensive background, which spans over two decades of academic research and industry practice in fields such as Information Theory, Communication Science, Anthropology and Sociology, Digital Economy and Finance, Blockchain Technologies and Foundational Knowledge, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Quantum Computing.
The chapter begins by reviewing current concepts and frameworks related to Web3, highlighting inconsistencies and gaps in the literature. Following this, it expands on the history of the Internet, tracing its origins back to the mid-20th century through the lens of Information Theory and Political Economy. This historical context allows for a clearer understanding of Web3’s place within the broader Internet evolution. By considering Web3 through the lens of Information Theory, the chapter argues that Web3 represents a decentralized infrastructure that enables direct P2P communication of information, which further encourages decentralized governance and the creation and ownership of digital assets. This decentralized infrastructure is what distinguishes Web3 from previous iterations of the Internet.
Furthermore, this chapter incorporates the political economy of communication to examine how the ownership of Web3’s decentralized infrastructure could redistribute power in the digital economy. Historically, control over the Internet’s infrastructure has rested with either the state or corporate entities. Web3, however, shifts control to individual users, offering the potential for a more inclusive and democratic digital economy. This is also a nod to its human-centric focus in the age of AI. Taking into account new emerging technologies, such as AI and quantum computing, this chapter presents them as part of the Web3 Tech Stack and contrasts the decentralized Web3 technologies with the centralized Internet architecture for clarity. Importantly, the presented technologies are seen only as tools supporting the overall objectives of Web3.
This chapter concludes by situating Web3 as a new means of production for the digital age—enabling direct P2P value creation and exchange, with the potential to foster a more equitable and sustainable stakeholder-driven capitalism. In doing so, Web3 offers an advanced form of direct democracy. As AI continues to evolve, Web3’s decentralized infrastructure may also represent humanity’s best hope for safeguarding personal autonomy and preventing the monopolization of powerful technologies.