An introduction to Web 2.0: The User Role

The document discusses the emergence of Web 2.0 and the increased emphasis on user participation and collaboration online. It defines Web 2.0 as services that allow users to create and share content. Examples mentioned include social networks, wikis, blogs, and other applications. Key characteristics of Web 2.0 include users owning their own data, adding value by contributing information, and interacting through rich interfaces. The document also discusses how Web 2.0 has strengthened the user's role and democratized the flow of information through new models like social news promotion and open access scientific journals.