Here’s How the Internet Will Look Like in 2050

Twenty-six years ago, the internet was a different world, and websites looked vastly distinct. Fast forward to 2050, the landscape of web design is set to undergo another transformation.

Our forecast is that in these years, traditional computers and phones will become obsolete. The internet will offer immersive experiences driven by augmented and virtual reality, allowing us to interact naturally through voice commands, gestures, or even thoughts.

But what will it all look like? Let’s see!

Behold: This Is the Internet in 2050

Here’s how it went: Hostinger experts in artificial intelligence (AI), web development, and design came together to share their thoughts on the future of the internet.

Then, we selected today’s most popular websites from seven distinct categories. We want to get a picture of how we will do different things on the web, like searching for information, watching video content, communicating, shopping, and so on.

Then, we asked DALL·E 3 to act as a web designer and visualize how these websites may look in 2050. In some cases, the AI improvised too much, but as we refined our requests, we eventually found the answers we wanted: images of the websites we might expect to visit in the future.

Here are the results, along with some insights into how it could all work:

1. Search Engines: Google.com

Thanks to advancements in AI and machine learning, every online search will be unique and highly personalized to your specific needs, your habits, the time of search, and even your mood.

We anticipate that instead of typing, you’ll trigger searches just by thinking, and results will appear in a virtual environment as interactive 3D objects. You can quickly save the information you want directly into your memory, akin to an inner dialogue with the superintelligence.

The Google we know now might even cease to exist, and AI models will handle online searches instead.

2. Streaming & Online TV: YouTube.com

YouTube will offer immersive experiences through virtual and augmented reality. You’ll interact with the content, shaping stories as you go, guided by customized and personalized AI recommendations.

Social features let you watch together worldwide, boosting connections and community online. Expect interactive widgets and more dynamic videos, like 360-degree views, touch and smell senses, and augmented reality extras for an even richer viewing experience.

In terms of live streaming, we’ll capture our lives from a third-person perspective.

3. Social Media: Facebook.com

In 2050, social media platforms such as Facebook will transform into massive virtual spaces where you can connect with friends and communities as if you’re in the same room. You’ll join events, play games, and engage in various activities with just a touch or even a thought.

Of course, there’s still a news feed, only more personalized and less cluttered, with smart previews of posts.

Moreover, our experts foresee that social networks will serve as hubs for collaborative projects and shared experiences, nurturing a strong global sense of community.

4. Dictionaries and Encyclopedias: Wikipedia.org

The homepage of the world’s largest encyclopedia will contain a dynamic, interactive globe that you can rotate to explore articles related to different regions of the world. Personalized AI assistants will provide tailored recommendations and insights based on your individual learning preferences and interests.

A chip implanted in your head will store all the information you need, and AI algorithms will add and review content instantly so you can trust it’s accurate and up-to-date.

5. News & Media Publishers: Yahoo.com

Embracing the future, Yahoo meets us with an interface rich with holographic elements and dynamic widgets that appear to float above the surface.

Each column will have interactive elements featuring essential data and live updates. But you don’t have to read anything to learn more: just select a news item or topic of interest, and the information will be transferred to your brain.

6. eCommerce & Shopping: Amazon.com

Shopping online with augmented reality will feel similar to shopping in a physical store but with less walking around. Amazon’s interface will show products in 3D holographic displays, letting customers see them as if they were right in front of them.

You can even feel them using sensory gloves, and if you’re interested in clothes, just try them on in virtual reality.

Same-day delivery will become the norm, as the items that best suit your needs will be prepared in advance.

7. Technology and AI: OpenAI.com

Today, OpenAI.com is essentially just a chat window. However, in the future, the interface is set to undergo significant changes.

It will transform into an environment where people can learn, create, and collaborate. Users will have the ability to interact with AI in different ways, including through holographic displays, interactive 3D projections, voice commands, and, of course, thoughts.

Bonus: Hostinger.com

Regardless of how the internet evolves, people will still create websites to share their stories, showcase businesses, or sell products and services.

Sure, these websites will look completely different, adapted to meta verses, virtual reality, and AI devices such as the Rabbit R1. But one thing is clear: Hostinger will be there to help.

In the future, publishing a website will be as simple as discussing a business idea with a friend. And it won’t take a long time to get to that point, as we’re already heading in that direction.

Our AI Website Builder understands speech-to-text and can create a unique website filled with bespoke content from a single prompt. You can then tailor it to your specific needs and go live without coding a single line.

This is just one of the many ways we leverage AI to help our clients succeed online, from crafting SEO-friendly content and outstanding visuals to selecting a domain that perfectly aligns with your business concept.

Conclusion: Stepping Into the Future Online

To summarize, here are the main insights from our experts into the future of the internet, considering current predictions, advances in technology, and what the tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Meta are creating and developing:

• Innovative gadgets like virtual reality glasses, smart earbuds, bracelets, holographic projectors, and more will replace traditional computers and phones.
• Augmented and virtual reality will make browsing the internet a completely different experience.
• We will interact with technology through voice commands, gestures, or even thoughts.
• Websites will prioritize hyper-personalization, customizing content and layouts for each visitor.
• AI-generated content will boost creativity and diversity, at the same time ensuring relevance and reliability.
• In terms of web design, 3D shapes and neumorphism will gain more popularity.
• Brain implants are still being tested. However, if we can use them to send and receive data, the possibilities are endless. Online searches become a monologue in our heads, and the most important news of the day or encyclopedia entries could simply be uploaded into our memory.
• Starting an online business or another type of website will be as simple as talking to a friend about your idea.

Of course, these are predictions based on current perceptions. Technology is changing and improving at a swift pace, and sometimes progress moves in a different direction than expected. Only time will reveal the future, but one thing is certain: it holds exciting possibilities.

Tomas Rasymas, Head of AI at Hostinger, drives the integration of AI to enhance our products and customer experience. With over 15 years of tech experience, he leads AI research, mentors a talented team, and advocates for transformative AI power. During leisure, Tomas enjoys trail running and reading books.