Introduction
If you’ve been following my work, you might have noticed that I’ve used the term Web 4.0 to describe the next phase of the internet—a shift that I initially framed as an evolution of the web itself. That term came out of the work I did last year, building on ideas from Web 3.0—ideas that are still relevant and continue to shape the content I’m creating today. In fact, I explored my thoughts on utilizing Web 3.0 tools and technologies to build a human-centric digital future in Web 3.0: A Human-Centric Digital Future. But as I’ve dug deeper into where things are really heading, I’ve realized that calling it Web 4.0 was a mistake. I’ll own that—and now it’s time to set the record straight.
What we’re seeing now isn’t just another iteration of the web. It’s a fundamental shift away from the web-based paradigm altogether. We’re entering the Post-Web Era, where the browser fades into the background, and the internet becomes not something we navigate, but something that intermediates our cognitive tasks and delegated actions. I first started exploring this shift in The End of Browsing, where I pointed out that browsing itself may soon become obsolete as agentic intermediaries take over.
Drawing Out the Eras
To make sense of this transition, it helps to break down the progression of internet eras in a way that feels relatable:
- Pre-Web Era: Imagine a world where the internet is purely functional—a tool for academic and military communication. There’s no Google, no social networks—just command-line interfaces and basic data exchange. Think of it like a series of phone calls between computers, with nothing visually interesting to see.
- Web Era: Now, the internet becomes something you interact with directly. It’s no longer just data transfer—it’s a place you go. Starting with Web 1.0, it’s like walking into a vast library of static pages—you can read, but not much else. Then comes Web 2.0, where the library becomes a bustling community space. You’re not just a reader; you’re a participant—posting, commenting, building profiles, forming networks. Next, Web 3.0 emerges, where the focus shifts to ownership and value—imagine that library transforming into a co-op where you own your contributions, and transactions happen right within the space.
- Post-Web Era: Now, imagine the library itself dissolving. You don’t go to the library anymore—instead, the knowledge from it follows you around, ready to assist whenever you need it. You don’t browse—you state your intent, and agents bring you what you need without requiring you to dig through shelves or crowds. It’s not a place you visit; it’s a network that understands your context and assists you wherever you are. I expanded on this idea in The Agent Is the Internet, where I described how intelligent agents would become the primary interface, effectively replacing the traditional web.
Personal Perspective
Initially, I was deeply immersed in the ideas of Web 3.0—decentralization, blockchain-based ownership, and user-driven value systems. I naturally assumed that the next phase, Web 4.0, would be a logical continuation, incorporating autonomous agents within a decentralized framework. But as I started mapping out what this new paradigm actually looked like, it became increasingly clear that it wasn’t an extension of the web at all. It wasn’t about better browsing or more advanced websites—it was about doing away with the very notion of browsing altogether. The internet wasn’t evolving—it was transforming. The web itself was dissolving into something fundamentally different: an ambient cognitive infrastructure driven by intent rather than navigation.
One of the key moments that changed my perspective was when I started noticing how even the most advanced decentralized platforms still relied on traditional browsing behavior. No matter how innovative, they still expected users to actively navigate, search, and consume information through interfaces. Working with generative AI platforms also shaped this realization. I saw how these models could process, synthesize, and respond without requiring traditional navigation—fundamentally shifting how we access and use information. That realization drove me to reconsider the entire concept of Web 4.0 and ultimately led me to recognize the emergence of the Post-Web Era. In this new phase, the very concept of interacting with the web through a browser becomes obsolete.
A Generational Shift
Interestingly, this shift might feel different depending on your generational perspective. For Gen X and Millennials who experienced life before the web, exiting the web might feel surprisingly natural—almost like rediscovering an earlier, more fluid way of interacting with information. Many of these individuals had information gathering and analysis skills honed in an era without the browser. In contrast, younger generations—who have only ever known a web-centric world—might find this transition shocking or jarring. For them, the browser (and apps!) has been a fixture of daily life—a stable, navigational staple that’s now slowly shrinking in relevance. The idea that intent-driven agents can bypass traditional interfaces might feel almost magical, as if the rules of interaction are suddenly rewritten.
Practical Implications
So what does this mean for everyday life? Imagine a world where your personal assistant doesn’t just remind you of meetings—it understands why certain tasks matter to you. Instead of merely following commands, it learns your patterns, priorities, and preferences. For instance, rather than just adding an event to your calendar, it proactively suggests the best times based on your energy levels and previous commitments. Or think of health management—your AI companion doesn’t just track your steps or monitor your sleep; it contextualizes the data, recognizing stress patterns and suggesting lifestyle adjustments that fit your routine. This is the heart of the Agentic Internet—an infrastructure where intelligent systems become partners, not just tools.
Long Live the Post-Web Era
So, it’s time to say goodbye to Web 4.0—before it really arrives—because it never will. The future isn’t just an evolved web; it’s fundamentally new infrastructure- cognitive infrastructure. The Post-Web Era will change how we think, act, and govern our digital selves. It’s an era where the internet becomes cognitively fluent, and the agent—not the browser—becomes the conduit through which we shape our digital reality. As we move forward, understanding and embracing this shift will determine how well we maintain agency and intentionality in an increasingly agentic world.